Feb. 5, 2010
Final Stats
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Siena limped out of the starting gate, scoring just two points in the game's first 12 minutes as Manhattan pressured the Saints into mistakes and cruised to a 74-53 win Friday evening in Riverdale, N.Y. The Saints shot 37% from the field and had 22 turnovers in the battle for third place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Siena, the MAAC's top defense, allowed the most points (74) and the highest field goal percentage (59.2%) and 3-point field goal percentage (61.5%) to a MAAC team this season.
Siena (5-13, 5-6) started the game 1-for-8 from the field and had nine turnovers (with two shot clock violations) in the first 12 minutes, allowing Manhattan (11-11, 6-5) to sprint out to a 22-2 lead. The Saints went more than 13 minutes between field goals.
Sarah Fullmer and Serena Moore were both forced to the bench due to foul trouble.
Sophomore guard Cristina Centeno rallied the Saints at the end of the first half, scoring eight points and grabbing two rebounds in the last five minutes. She took control at the point and drove with power to the rim, getting to the line and converting three-point plays. Siena cut the deficit to a manageable 13 points at halftime (33-20).
The Saints trailed by double digits the entire second half and the Jaspers went on a 10-0 run in a four-minute span to break the game back open, 52-32. The Saints had no answer for Manhattan point guard Michelle Pacheco who scored 14 of her game-high 21 points in the second half.
Lindsey Loutsenhizer and Abby Wentworth also scored double figures with 18 and 14 respectively.
Moore finished with 15 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes.
The Saints return to action on Super Bowl Sunday when they host Iona in Loudonville. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
