Nov. 8, 2014
Final Stats |
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Siena led from start to finish in its 74-63 exhibition win over Division II Gannon Saturday night in the ARC, but it wasn't easy.
Rob Poole topped three Saints in double figures with 15 points and
Marquis Wright finished with eight points, eight assists and five steals.
The Saints used a 14-0 run to jump out to an early 22-8 lead on a jumper by Ryan Oliver with 12:29 to play in the first half, but Gannon scored 13 of the next 14 points to pull back within two. With the score 29-27, Siena went on a 10-2 run and led by at least six the rest of the way.
An Evan Hymes' three-pointer with 10:24 left pushed the advantage to 58-47 and Siena led by double figures from then on.
Red-shirt sophomore Patrick Cole had 13 points in 13 minutes off the bench, knocking down 5-8 field goals, including an electrifying stretch in which he scored seven points in 48 seconds. CBI Tournament MVP Brett Bisping hit a three-pointer on Siena's first possession and finished with 12 points. Javion Ogunyemi made all four of his field goals on his way to nine points.
Siena mixed defenses all night and gave Gannon fits with its full court press. The Saints scored 40 of their 74 points off Gannon's 23 turnovers. Siena also shot 57% from the field and 46% (6-13) from distance.
Adam Blazek had a game-high 18 points for Gannon which won 20 games last season and advanced to the NCAA Division II Regional Semifinals. Raphell Thomas-Edwards added 15 points. The Golden Knights knocked down 7-13 three-pointers.
Eight Saints played double digit minutes with Imoh Silas (knee) and Maurice White (cyst) unavailable. Freshmen Willem Brandwijk and Jimmy Paige combined for nine minutes. Brandwijk's putback dunk in the first half was one of the highlights of the game.
The season opens for real Friday night in Amherst when Siena faces UMass. The Saints open their home season Monday, November 17 against Vermont. Season tickets and individual game tickets are on-sale now. Contact the Fan Relations Office at 487-2202 to reserve your seats for the 2014-15 season during traditional business hours.
