Nov. 30, 2008
Final Stats
Oklahoma State shot 12-25 from 3-point range and Siena made just 21-28 free throws as the Cowboys held on for a 77-68 win in the seventh place game at the Old Spice Classic Sunday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Saints dominated the action in the second half, cutting an 18 point deficit to a single point, but poor shooting from the foul line ultimately led to the team's first three-game losing streak since January of 2006.
The Cowboys led 45-27 following a Terrell Harris 3-pointer with 1:33 left in the first half, but Siena bridged the two halves with a 28-11 run, closing to within 56-55 on a Ronald Moore jumper.
Keiton Page followed with one of his five 3-pointers, and Siena never did lead in the game. Page finished with 21 points to pace the Cowboys. Oklahoma State relied heavily on its outside shooting, especially in the second half. They made just 3-17 field goal attempts inside the 3-point arc after halftime.
Siena, meanwhile, made 14-25 2-point field goals in the second half. Sophomore center Ryan Rossiter poured in a career high 22 points to lead all scorers, making 9-13 field goals. Guards Ronald Moore and Kenny Hasbrouck each finished with 10 points, mostly on slashing drives to the basket.
The aggressive game plan got the Saints to the free throw line often, but the poor shooting kept them from taking control of the game.
Obi Muonelo had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma State, which was coming off losses to Gonzaga and Michigan State on Friday and Saturday.
Siena's starters accounted for all but nine of the team's 68 points - those coming from reserve guard Clarence Jackson.
Jackson had one of Siena's two 3-pointers, as for the second time in the Tournament the Saints struggled mightily from distance.
First half turnovers also plagued the Saints all weekend. Siena had 14 first half miscues against the Cowboys and 40 turnovers before the break in their three games in the Classic.
The Saints did force 18 turnovers and out-rebounded the bigger Cowboys 39-37. Siena will look to get back on track Wednesday evening when they open MAAC play at Loyola.
