Jan. 25, 2015
Final Stats
Desi Washington and Marvin Dominique combined for 39 points and they were right in the middle of a game-deciding 15-0 run that sent Saint Peter's to a convincing 69-55 win over inconsistent Siena Sunday at Times Union Center.
"We're a pressing team and got five points off turnovers, they got 30 points off turnovers," Siena coach Jimmy Patsos said. "Once again my pregame speech of `take care of the ball and just grind it out and it'll be a last possession game' was well heeded."
Siena is an even 5-5 in the MAAC after splitting its fifth conference weekend of the season. The Saints fell to 4-6 at home this season.
"That was one of our top three performances of the season," Saint Peter's coach John Dunne said. "I think we played with great energy. Just a solid team effort."
Saint Peter's closed the first half on an 11-4 run to take a 32-25 lead into the lockerroom. Patsos was assessed a technical after the final whistle, and Washington made two free throws to start the second half, pushing the lead to nine. Siena closed the gap to 36-30 after three Rob Poole free throws, but that's when the Peacocks put the game away.
Saint Peter's 15-0 run took just 3:55 of game time. When it ended the Peacocks led 53-32 with 11:30 to play.
Washington scored eight of his game-high 22 points during the spurt and Dominique had five of his 17.
Saint Peter's shot 53% from the field and 60% from three-point range. The Peacocks out-rebounded Siena 33-26.
"My message was `this is a great opportunity to play another game at home against a team that's really good, but a team you're going to battle with.'" Patsos said.
Steady Lavon Long was the only Saint to reach double figures, posting 14 points and five rebounds in 34 minutes. The Saints have had at least 15 turnovers in six straight games now after having 10 or fewer in 10 of the previous 11. Siena did make 18-20 free throws after entering the game tied for fifth nationally with 18.4 free throws made per game.
Siena will try to bounce back again at Manhattan Friday at 7 p.m.
