Feb. 28, 2004

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Michael Haddix scored a game-high 20 points to help lead Siena to a thrilling 60-58 victory over Fairfield University tonight at the Pepsi Arena in front of 7,159 patrons. The win improved the Saints to 12-15 and 9-9 in the MAAC while the Stags end the regular season at 19-10 and 12-6 in the conference.

Austin Andrews helped set the tone early in the game by knocking down three-pointers on Siena's first two possessions as the Saints led throughout the entire first half. A Mike Beers three-pointer with 10:46 to play in the first half bumped the Siena lead to 18-9. Trailing 26-18 the Stags ended the first half on an 8-2 spurt to crawl within 28-24 at the intermission.

Fairfield began the second half the same way they ended the first, on a tear. The Stags ripped off the first five points after the intermission and took their first and only lead of the game at 29-28 following a Tyquawn Goode three-pointer. Siena countered by scoring the next six points and led 34-29 following a pair of free throws from Haddix. No more than six points would separate the two teams the remainder of the way.

Leading by three with under a minute left Jamal Jackson knocked down a pair of clutch free throws to push the Siena lead to 60-55. On the ensuing possession Michael Bell's three-pointer from the left corner brought Fairfield within 60-58. Electing not to foul the Stags came up with a defensive stop and had 7.5 seconds to either tie or win it.

Fairfield's Kudjo Sogadzi misfired on a three-pointer from the right wing and time expired, allowing Siena to match their season-high winning streak of three.

Joining Haddix in double figures was Antoine Jordan who totaled 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists. The Saints finish the season in sixth place in the MAAC and will square off against Marist College in the first round of the MAAC Tournament on Friday evening at the Pepsi Arena.