Jan. 22, 2012
Box Score
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Lily Grenci posted a career-high 24 points, Clara Sole Anglada recorded her first career double-double and Cristina Centeno became the 12th player in program history with 300 career assists as the Saints used a solid team effort to defeat Rider 67-56. With the win, the Saints vault back into the top half of the conference standings.
Siena (5-12, 3-5) continued its dominance over Rider (10-9, 2-6), capturing its ninth straight win over the Broncs and fifth straight at Alumni Gymnasium.
Rebounding was the key as Siena out-rebounded the Broncs by 11 in the first half and held a +14 advantage for the game, 42-28. Rider had entered the day leading the conference in total rebounds and rebound margin.
The Saints were off and running right out of the gates, making seven of their first nine shots and ultimately took a commanding 26-13 lead just 12 minutes into the game. Siena led by eight at the half, 32-24, but turnovers would catch up to them and let Rider back in the game.
The Broncs took their first and only lead at 40-39 following a pair of Emily Fazzini free throws at the 10:38 mark. Fazzini led the Broncs with a career-high 18 points.
Two possessions later however, Centeno knocked down a clutch three from the left baseline to put the Saints back on top. The trifecta kicked off a 7-0 run and Siena would not trail again.
The Saints committed 20 turnovers which had at first let Rider back in the game, but did an excellent job down the stretch protecting the rock. Siena went its final 15 possessions covering more than seven minutes without a turnover and made its free throws down the stretch to extend the final margin.
Grenci added nine rebounds to her career afternoon, narrowly missing what would have been her fourth double-double of the season. Sole Anglada however was able to secure her first as she posted 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds coming off the bench.
Centeno dished out a season-high tying six assists, the final of which gave her 300 for her career. Centeno also added 13 points and six rebounds for head coach Gina Castelli who was victorious in her 400th all-time MAAC game coached.
Sironda Chambers added 14 points for Rider which has cooled off from its hot start and now lost four straight by double figures.
Entering the game in a five-way tie for sixth and last place in the MAAC standings, it was a key win for the Saints. With the victory, Siena moves into a three-way tie for fifth in the MAAC standings with Loyola and Niagara.
After a grueling stretch in which the Saints have alternated home and road games for 12 straight contests, Siena returns to the Capital Region next weekend for their first homestand since November. The Saints host Saint Peter's at 5 p.m. Friday from the Times Union Center in the front end of a doubleheader with the men's team.
