Feb. 17, 2012
Box Score
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Two weeks ago Siena nearly overcame a double-digit deficit in the waning moments at Manhattan. Tonight, the Jaspers did likewise but Siena held on late for a key 61-56 victory at the ARC.
Thirteen days ago Manhattan (14-13, 8-7) was up 10 on the Saints (9-15, 7-8) with 2:31 to go before Siena came a Maja Gerlyng three at the buzzer short of forcing overtime. But tonight, it would be Gerlyng and the Saints' turn to hold off a late Jaspers run.
Gerlyng led a balanced Siena attack with 15 points and hit several big shots late to withstand a furious Manhattan comeback bid. The Saints built their biggest lead of the game at 16 points, 49-33 with 10:42 remaining and appeared to be in the driver's seat.
But the Jaspers fought back and capped an 11-0 run which included a trio of threes to make it just a four-point game, 53-49 with 2:55 remaining.
Siena would shut the door from there as Lily Grenci scored a layup and Gerlyng buried a backbreaking three shortly thereafter to close out the win.
With the victory and some help, the Saints gained ground in the MAAC Standings. With just three games remaining, Siena moved up a spot into a tie for fifth place with Niagara whom the Saints will face next Friday in Western New York.
Siena committed 21 turnovers to Manhattan's 17, but the Saints capitalized on their opportunities holding a decisive 26-14 edge in points off turnovers. Siena's full court pressure defense led to some easy offense as the Saints shot an even 50% (19-38) in the contest.
Siena also was able to pick apart Manhattan's vaunted 1-3-1 defense by knocking down some big outside shots. The Saints made a season-best eight threes in just 15 attempts led by three from Gerlyng and three more from freshman Kelsey Booth who was a spark off the bench with a career-high nine points.
Grenci reached double figures for the 16th straight game and posted her sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Local product Alyssa Herrington from nearby Cambridge, N.Y. led Manhattan with a season-high 19 points on 7-11 shooting including 5-8 from three. Schyanne Halfkenny added 16 for the Jaspers which fell to fourth in the league standings.
Siena hosts its final home game of the season Sunday at 2 p.m. vs. Rider. Prior to tip-off, the Saints will honor graduating seniors Cristina Centeno and Maja Gerlyng in a special Senior Day ceremony.
