Dec. 29, 2011
Box Score
ORONO, MAINE - On a predictably frigid late December night in Maine, Siena's offense found the perfect time to become red hot. The Saints shot 49% from the field, handed out 18 assists and led by as many as 31 points in a 78-51 rout of Maine at Alfond Arena.
The Saints posted their highest scoring effort in three seasons en route to finishing 2011 with a resounding win. With the victory, the Saints snap a five-game losing streak and conclude non-conference action 2-7.
Siena used a 27-6 run over a 10 and a half minute span to overcome a 22-21 deficit and take a commanding 20-point lead moments into the second half. The Saints scored on 10 of their final 14 possessions to end the half, erupting for 43 points in the stanza in posting their highest scoring first half in five seasons.
The Saints used their defense to kick start their offense, scoring 28 points off 23 Maine (3-10) turnovers which included 16 steals.
Reigning MAAC Co-Rookie of the Week Tehresa Coles was at the center of the action once again, swiping three steals and dishing out five assists in the opening half. Coles would finish with career-highs of 12 points, six steals and five assists.
Fellow backcourt mate Cristina Centeno was equally impressive, finishing with 14 points to go along with a career-high five steals and season-high six assists.
Maine started off the game hot as well, making six of their first eight shots and built an early five-point lead before cooling off considerably. Danielle Walczak paced Maine with 13 points as the Black Bears concluded a winless December with their seventh straight defeat.
Lily Grenci led a balanced Siena offensive attack with 20 points on 8-12 shooting, while Maja Gerlyng added 10 of her 13 points in the first half for the Saints which once again find themselves in a familiar position heading into the New Year.
Each of the past two seasons the Saints have ended prolonged losing streaks with wins in their final game of the calendar year. Last season, Siena ended a seven-game losing streak with a win over Fordham in the final game of 2010, igniting a season-best six-game winning streak including a 5-0 start to MAAC play.
Siena hopes recent history will repeat itself when the squad opens 2012 and conference competition Monday night at the ARC against Canisius.
