Jan. 24, 2006

Box Score | Photo Gallery

Steve Burtt scored 30 points and made all 12 of his free throws as Iona defeated Siena 85-78 in MAAC action Tuesday night at Pepsi Arena in Albany. The Gaels scored the first nine points of the game and never trailed. With the win and Manhattan's loss, the Gaels take over first place in the conference standings.

Siena lost despite 20-point performances from Kojo Mensah (21) and Antoine Jordan (20). Each scored 15 second half points, but it wasn't enough.

The Saints cut the 10-point halftime deficit to five on seven occasions, but could never make it a one possession game.

Kenny Jackson made two big shots in the final four minutes to help quell the rally. His first was an open 3-pointer that pushed the lead back to eight with 3:09 remaining. With 1:42 left, Jackson hit an off-balance 18-footer as the shot clock expired after the Saints had again closed to five.

Iona made all eight of its free throws in the last 1:20 to close out the game.

Kiril Wachsmann scored 14 points and had eight rebounds, Kenny Jackson had 12 points and Ricky Soliver scored 10 to round out the Gaels in double figures.

Siena clawed back into the game from the free throw line as it has done all season. The Saints worked their way into the bonus with over 11 minutes remaining and made 16 of their 20 free throws after intermission.

David Ryan scored 14 points and Kenny Hasboruck had 11 as Siena placed four players in double figures for the second straight game.

The Saints made just 6-24 (25%) 3-pointers and shot 29% from the field in the first half. Iona shot 50% for the game and held a double-digit lead for 18 of the 40 minutes.

Siena returns to action Saturday at Marist.