Jan. 9, 2011
Final Stats
The week began with a victory that proved Siena can play with anybody in the MAAC. It ended Sunday with a loss that showed there is much work left to do. Anthony Nelson scored 30 points, including five straight 3-pointers in the second half, helping Niagara pull away from Siena, 69-55 in Lewiston Sunday.
Siena has lost five straight road games after winning back-to-back contests away from home in November.
Nelson nearly had a triple-double, grabbing 10 rebounds and adding eight steals. He broke open a close game early in the second half.
Siena struggled mightily with its shooting against the Purple Eagles active trapping zone. The Saints finished 2-15 from 3-point range, and shot just 33% from the field for the game.
It was the third straight lopsided defeat the Saints have suffered here at the Gallagher Center.
The Purple Eagles (4-13, 1-4) snapped a six-game losing streak, and won for only the second time in 13 games. They did so with shocking ease.
Niagara led 29-27 before Nelson made a 3-pointer, and Kashief Edwards scored a layup off a Siena turnover to give the Purple Eagles a 34-27 advantage.
The Saints never got closer than six after that.
Niagara's lead grew to 61-42 after an Eric Williams free throw with 4:12 to play.
Siena senior forward Ryan Rossiter had 20 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore forward OD Anosike had 15 points and 10 rebounds to complete his second straight double-double. Freshman Rakeem Brookins played all 40 minutes for Siena and finished with seven points, five assists and just two turnovers.
Niagara led 23-21 after a very sloppy first half with 23 turnovers.
Siena will look to end its road troubles and get back on track Sunday at Marist.
