Jan. 16, 2010
Final Stats
Siena used a 13-0 run early in the second half to turn a one-point deficit into a comfortable lead and held off improved Fairfield 81-73 Saturday in Bridgeport. The Saints move to 7-0 in the MAAC, two games clear of the Stags and at least three games ahead of everyone else.
Clarence Jackson scored 17 of his game high 22 points in the first half and Ryan Rossiter provided the offensive spark in the second, scoring 15 of his 17 points. Alex Franklin finished with 16 points and Edwin Ubiles had 15.
In a highly entertaining first half, the teams exchanged four ties and five lead changes. Jackson caught fire from three to help Siena build a 35-25 lead, but the Stags used a 13-3 run to even the score. Siena carried a 45-44 lead to the lockerroom despite allowing Fairfield to shoot 56% from the field.
The Saints turned up the heat in the second half, using a trapping press to force 10 turnovers and limiting the Stags to just 35% from the floor.
Yorel Hawkins led five Fairfield players in double figures with 20 points. Derek Needham finished with 16, Ryan Olander had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Anthony Johnson scored 12 and Mike Evanovich came off the bench to add 11.
The Stags gave Siena its biggest conference test of the season by far. Siena won its first six league games by double figures, and although the margin was eight, Fairfield remained within striking distance for the duration. In fact, the Saints played one of their best offensive halves of the season in the first 20 minutes, but Fairfield matched blow for blow.
Still, Siena won for the 31st time in its last 33 games against MAAC schools. The eight-game win streak equals a program long under McCaffery, a streak the team will have a chance to top when they gun for their 31st consecutive home victory Monday night against Manhattan.
