Dec. 5, 2008
Box Score
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Marie Warner led three Canisius players in double figures with 20 points as the Golden Griffins staved off a late Siena rally to defeat the Saints 78-60 this afternoon in the MAAC opener. Allie Lindemann scored all 14 of her points in the second half and teammate Heather Stec added 14 as well as the Saints fell to 0-7 for the first time in program history.
Bolstered by a raucous crowd of 1,624, Canisius (3-3, 1-0) came out firing on all cylinders offensively, connected on six of their first seven shots and each of their first three trifectas to build an early 15-7 advantage at the 16:23 mark. The crowd, boosted by the attendance of "Kid's Day," was the second largest crowd in Koessler Athletic Center history to see a women's basketball game.
The Golden Griffins continued their sharp shooting throughout the half, building their lead to as many as 19 (35-16) on a Brianna Lucas three with 6:07 remaining. Canisius, which entered the game leading the MAAC in three point makes and leading the country in three point field goal percentage, had another strong effort in hitting 11-for-25 from beyond the arc.
Siena hung tough however, scoring the final four points of the half to pull within 15 at intermission, 38-23.
The Saints came out resurgent in the second stanza, slowly chipping away at the deficit. Siena capped a 15-7 run with a Merrick Volpe layup that got the squad as close as 54-47 with 9:20 remaining. But Canisius responded with a 21-7 run of their own to put the game away.
Siena shot 41.4% from the floor, including 48.3% in the second half. Meanwhile, the Griffs connected at a 53.6% clip in the second half and shot 45.3% for the contest.
Additionally, Canisius harbored a 42-33 edge on the glass and 16-9 edge in second chance points.
Cristina Centeno joined Lindemann and Stec in double figures with 11 while adding five rebounds and six assists in a solid all-around effort.
Canisius reserve Stephanie McDonald added 14 points off the pine on 6-8 shooting while teammate Brittane Russell added 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals.
The Saints return to action Sunday for the conclusion of their annual Buffalo trip against Niagara. Tip time is slated for 2 p.m.
