Jan. 8, 2008
Final Stats
Fairfield limited Siena to 34% from the floor and held off several late scares to post a 53-52 MAAC upset Tuesday in Albany. The Stags suffocating defense limited the Saints to their second fewest point total in the Fran McCaffery era.
"Obviously, this game was a struggle for us all night," McCaffery said. "I thought we battled and competed, especially in the second half, and certainly had our opportunities."
Neither team scored in the final 1:44 of the game after Ryan Rossiter's tip-in closed the gap to 53-52. The Saints forced two Fairfield turnovers in the final 18 seconds, but couldn't capitalize.
The final chance came when Edwin Ubiles missed a tough jumper in the paint with six seconds to go.
Ubiles scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half to lead all scorers in a losing effort. He shot 7-15 from the floor. The rest of the team combined to shoot just 11-38.
Greg Nero led a balanced Fairfield attack with 10 points and eight rebounds. The Stags took the lead for good on an Anthony Johnson tip-in with 10:26 left in the first half, but the lead never reached double figures.
The Stags methodically controlled the tempo and made just enough shots to hold on.
Herbie Allen and Mike Evanovich each had nine points. Evanovich's all came on second half 3's, the last of which pushed the lead to 53-48 with 2:52 to go, accounting for the Stags' final points.
Siena played without leading rebounder Alex Franklin and junior forward Josh Duell. Leading scorer Kenny Hasbrouck played through foul trouble and finished with just three points.
Rossiter had 11 points and nine rebounds. Point guard Ronald Moore had nine rebounds and six assists to go along with four points.
The Saints had 12 steals and out-rebounded the Stags 35-33.
Both teams are now 3-1 in MAAC play. Siena must try to bounce back at MAAC-leader Niagara Friday night in an ESPNU game slated for 9 p.m.
