Nov. 29, 2006
Final Stats | Photo Gallery 
Carlos Riviera scored a game-high 26 points and Zygis Sestokas made 4-of-5 first half 3-point attempts to help Hofstra past Siena 84-80 at Pepsi Arena in Albany Wednesday night. The Saints made a late rally to cut into a 15-point second half deficit, but could get no closer than the final margin.
Hofstra (3-3) jumped out to an early 21-10 lead, and converted 8-of-13 first half 3-point attempts to take a 32-24 lead to the lockerroom. Sestokas scored all 14 of his points in the first half to lead the charge.
Siena freshman Edwin Ubiles scored 14 of his 18 points after intermission and led all players with eight rebounds to make things interesting down the stretch. Aided by poor Hofstra free throw shooting, the Saints used a 12-2 run with 4:08 remaining to close within 78-74 with 59 seconds remaining.
Riviera was 10-for-10 from the free throw line, the rest of the Pride went just 6-for-14.
Loren Stokes hit a leaning jumper in the paint with 29 seconds left to put the Pride back in control. Stokes finished with 20 points and backcourt mate Antoine Agudio had 17.
Michael Haddix had 11 of his 16 points in the first half for Siena. Kenny Hasbrouck and Alex Franklin each had 13 to round out Siena's double figure scorers.
The Saints held a 37-26 rebounding advantage, but the Pride shot 55% (12-for-22) from 3-point range. Outside shooting proved vital as Siena converted just 2-of-11 3-point field goals, none of which came in the second half.
It was the first home game of the season for Siena, which hosts UAlbany Saturday at 7 p.m. Hofstra won its third straight game after starting the year 0-3.
