Feb. 17, 2007

Final Stats

Lawrenceville, N.J. - Sophomore guard Danielle Costantino exploded for 12 second half points to lead Rider (2-24, 1-14) past Siena (7-18, 6-9) 55-52 in Lawrenceville, N.J. this afternoon. Saints forward Laura Menty recorded her third double-double of the season. She scored 21 points and pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds in 33 minutes of action. The victory marks the Broncs first league victory of the season.

The Saints struck first with a Menty lay-up just 13 seconds into the contest, but Siena missed their next 10 field goal attempts allowing Rider to jump out to a 16-4 advantage. The Saints went on a field goal drought after their initial basket which last for nine minutes and 37 seconds. At 10:09 remaining in the first half, junior guard Melissa Manzer sliced through the lane and sank a crafty lay-up to end their field goal struggles. Manzer finished with 11 points.

Siena shot a mere 21.7% from the field going 5-for-23 from the field in the first half. Rider took a 28-16 advantage into intermission behind 10 first half points from junior guard Janele Henderson.

The Saints came out of the half on a rampage rallying off a 21-4 opening run to take a 37-32 advantage with 10:37 remaining. This marked the largest Siena lead of the contest. Katelyn Dooley knocked down consecutive baskets during this run to account for her four points on the game. Dooley was held scoreless in the first half going 0-for-7 from the field and 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.

Each time Siena made a push for the lead in the second half Costantino seemed to have an answer for the Saints. At 8:23, she drained a 3-pointer from the corner to put Rider ahead 40-39. Menty retaliated on the very next possession with a crafty lay-up to regain the lead for the Saints. However, Costantino responded with her second straight trey to put the Broncs back on top 43-41.

With 5:42 remaining in the contest, Manzer evened the game at 45-45 off a pair of free-throws. Once again, Costantino responded with a jumper to put Rider up for good.

With 12 seconds on the clock, the Saints had one last opportunity coming out of a timeout with the possession of the ball. However, the active Rider defense forced a last second 3-pointer by freshman forward Sara Parnell which just missed the goal. Parnell tallied seven points on the afternoon.

Siena out rebounded the Broncs 48-38, however, they struggled from the free-throw line shooting just 50% (15-for-30).

The Saints look to snap a two game losing streak on Monday when they take on Fairfield in Bridgeport, Conn. Tip time is set for 4:30 p.m.