Feb. 19, 2011

Final Stats | Photo Gallery

Clarence Jackson exploded for 15 points in the second half helping Siena blow past Maine 71-60 at Times Union Center Saturday. The Saints snapped a four-game losing streak with the win, and handed the reeling Black Bears their sixth consecutive defeat.

Ryan Rossiter contributed 14 points, 16 rebounds and a career-high six assists, and the balanced Siena offense moved as smoothly as it has in weeks. OD Anosike joined Rossiter with a double-double, posting 10 points and 11 boards. Jackson led all players with 17 points, and Rakeem Brookins (13) and Trenity Burdine (12) rounded out the five Saints in double figures.

Maine led 33-28 at the half after holding Siena to just 37% shooting in the first 20 minutes.

The Saints scored 15 of the first 17 points after intermission to break the game open. They led 57-41 after a Brookins 3-pointer with 7:16 to play, and although the Black Bears would close the gap to six with 2:13 to play, the lead was never seriously threatened down the stretch.

As good as the offense was, Siena's seldom-used man-to-man defense may have been even better. Maine managed just 36% from the field, including 25% in the second half. Troy Barnies led the Black Bears with 14 points, but was pestered all night, and made just 5-15 field goals. Rossiter had more assists (6) than the entire Maine team (5).

Siena dressed all 14 players for just the second time this season. With the MAAC Tournament just 12 days away, the Saints showed how dangerous they can be when healthy, and when they are making their shots. Siena made 8-16 3-pointers, including 6-9 in the second half. Jackson finished 3-6 from distance while Brookins made 3-4 long range tries.

The win capped off a ridiculously good BracketBusters Saturday for the MAAC which won nine of 10 non-league matchups.

Siena has five full days off before its critical ESPN2 game at Fairfield Friday.