Jan. 27, 2007

Final Stats

Jason Thompson had 31 points,16 rebounds and seven blocks and Rider made 9-14 3-point attempts in the second half in an 84-78 win over visiting Siena Saturday in Trenton. Kenny Hasbrouck scored a career high 36 points - 27 in the second half - in a losing effort for Siena.

Siena led 32-29 at intermission, before both teams broke loose in an explosive second half.

Rider shot 57% from the field and 64% from 3-point range after intermission using the inside muscle of Thompson to free its guards on the perimeter.

Still, Hasbrouck kept the Saints in the game, and Siena owned a 71-68 lead with 4:48 remaining following two of his free throws.

Terrence Mouton's 3-pointer gave the Broncs the lead for good, 76-73, with 2:50 remaining.

Trailing by three with 31 seconds remaining Ronald Moore misfired on a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the right wing. Moore was one of several Saints who struggled to find his shot, converting just 1-of-9 field goal attempts.

Thompson made six straight free throws down the stretch and finished the game 15-18 from the line.

The outcome didn't reflect the closeness of the game, which featured 12 ties and 16 lead changes. Still, Siena head coach Fran McCaffery thought the right team won.

"I thought the team that showed up and competed won the game," McCaffery said. "They ran their offense well and we didn't do a good job of stopping them. Aside from (Hasbrouck) I don't think our effort and focus was where it needed to be."

Harris Mansell had 15 points, Terrence Mouton scored 14 - including his benchmark 1,000-point which gave Rider its first lead of the second half - and Lamar Johnson scored 11 for Rider.

Edwin Ubiles had 12 points and Michael Haddix had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Saints. Haddix struggled against the taller Thompson, making just 4-14 field goal attempts.

Siena will look to get back on track at first place Loyola Monday night.