Dec. 2, 2009

Final Stats

Freshman point guard Mfon Udofia scored 26 points including two 3-pointers late in the second half that pushed Georgia Tech's lead to double figures in a 74-61 win over Siena Wednesday in Atlanta. The Saints never led, but trailed by single digits until the final five minutes of play, failing to take advantage of countless opportunities.

Siena suffered through a horrific shooting night, converting just 22-69 (32%) of their field goals and 4-28 (14%) 3-pointers. The vast majority of the time the Saints had great looks at the basket, but the shots didn't fall.

"It was a frustrating game for us on a lot of levels," Fran McCaffery said. "We competed, but we did not play well. You can't come in here and play the way we did and expect to win."

Clarence Jackson led Siena with 19 points, but made just 6-24 field goals and 3-14 3-pointers.

The Saints played without two-time MAAC First Team selection Edwin Ubiles, who sat out with a leg injury and is day-to-day. Owen Wignot took his place in the starting lineup and played with great energy, finishing with seven points, three blocks, three rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes of action.

The Saints had 14 steals and just 11 turnovers, out-scoring the Yellow Jackets 18-6 in points off miscues. Siena also held its own against one of the top frontlines in the nation. Georgia Tech held just a 45-39 advantage in rebounding and a 32-26 edge in points in the paint.

Freshman phenom Derrick Favors finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Gani Lawal had 15 points and nine boards.

Ronald Moore had nine assists, four steals and no turnovers for Siena.

Of the many opportunities Siena missed, the biggest may have come at the end of the first half when after closing to within a point they failed to score in the final four minutes and had a defensive breakdown that allowed Udofia to convert an open 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Siena falls to 4-3 on the season and will face UAlbany at Times Union Center Saturday night.