March 8, 2008
Final Stats
Alex Franklin scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Siena advanced to the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament with a 66-58 win over Manhattan late Saturday afternoon in Albany. The Saints advance to play #4 seed Loyola - a 64-59 winner over Fairfield in the first quarterfinal of the day.
Franklin scored 16 points in the first half as Siena (20-10) carried a 32-23 lead to the locker room. Manhattan (12-19) struggled on offense in the first 20 minutes, converting just 39% of their field goal attempts and only 1-9 3-pointers.
The Jaspers got no closer than seven in the second half despite shooting 50% from the floor after intermission.
Devon Austin led Manhattan with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Siena controlled a 36-35 edge on the glass and the Saints scored 20 points off Manhattan's 15 turnovers.
Ronald Moore efficiently ran Siena's offense, tallying 10 assists and just two turnovers. He also added seven rebounds.
Edwin Ubiles scored 12 points and had six rebounds. Moore was the only other Saint in double figures with 11. Kenny Hasbrouck had nine points, six rebounds and three steals.
It marks the second consecutive 20-win season for the top-seeded Saints.
Siena and Loyola will square off in the first MAAC semifinal tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.
