Jan. 13, 2012

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LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Looking to snap a three-game slide, Siena Women's Basketball hopes to turn around their fortunes tonight when they host Niagara at 7 p.m. at the ARC. The Saints are 22-4 all-time at home against the Purple Eagles and have won the last seven meetings in the Capital Region by an average of 16.6 points.

Tonight's game will be televised throughout New York State on Time Warner Cable Sports. Mike Demos, Jackie Craft and Dani Stein have the call. Fans in the Empire State can use the chart on the right of this page to find out what channel the game will air on in their area.

Tonight's matchup is a pivotal early season tilt for both teams. With a win, Siena (3-10, 1-3) would vault up to fifth place in the MAAC Standings. Niagara (5-11, 2-2) currently holds down that spot after posting a winless conference record a year ago.

In addition to their success against Niagara at home, the Saints have won seven of the last eight meetings overall against the Purple Eagles and last season posted their two biggest victories of the year over their Western New York foes by 40 and 22 points respectively.

But the Purple Eagles are much improved from last season's dismal 1-29 performance. 2009-10 MAAC Rookie of the Year Kayla Stroman has returned after missing last season due to a knee injury and paces the Purple Eagles with 10.0 points and 3.3 assists. Illinois-Chicago transfer Lauren Gatto adds 8.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for a Niagara team which hasn't won in Loudonville since Dec. 5, 2003.

At halftime of the game, fans will be treated to a special performance from the Capital Region's own teen singing sensation Anthony Gargiula and his dance group. Gargiula has performed at numerous major venues over the years including the Belmont Stakes, New York Knicks, and has appeared on both The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Today Show as well as opening act opportunities for national headliners The Jonas Brothers and Lady Antebellum. Tonight, he will be performing a song off his debut album "Finally Done."

Tickets to this evening's game are just $6 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased at the ticket office located in the MAC lobby beginning one hour prior to tipoff.

Complete Gameday Central coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with the radio broadcast on WVCR 88.3 FM "The Saint" with Andrew Champagne and Steve Amedio. Meanwhile television coverage and the ability to watch the game online will be accessible at 7 p.m. Follow along with the live stats, receive in-game twitter updates @SienaSaints and learn more about both teams by reading the game notes all by visiting the Gameday Central page.