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Javion Ogunyemi scored 15 of his game-high 23 points in the second half and rounded out a double-double with 11 rebounds helping Siena rally past Niagara 75-63 Saturday night in Albany. The Saints improved to 6-0 at Times Union Center this season with the victory.

"I'd like to than the 6,500 (6,483) fans who showed up tonight," Siena coach Jimmy Patsos said. "I was really impressed that we filled in the end zones tonight. Every little thing matters. I really think (our fans) won us the game."

Niagara led 34-30 at halftime, but the Saints scored eight of the first 10 points in the second half and never trailed again. The game was tied at 47 when Ogunyemi made two free throws with 10:29 to play, and Siena led the rest of the way.

Siena turned to its experienced front court with star guard Marquis Wright sidelined for the second straight game (out at least six weeks with stress fracture in right foot). Ogunyemi led the way, but Lavon Long and Brett Bisping did their part too. Long took a key charge with the game tied at 47, and then scored all 12 of his points in the final 10 minutes helping Siena slowly pull away. Bisping was saddled with foul trouble throughout, but still managed 20 points in just 16 spirited minutes.

"Javion and Lavon wouldn't let us lose that game," Patsos said. "(The charge) was a huge play. I'm glad someone besides Brett took a charge to be honest. It kind of got Lavon going."

Siena had its third straight double-digit rebounding advantage, dominating Niagara 37-21 on the glass. Long had nine rebounds, and Ryan Oliver finished with five boards and five assists in 35 active minutes.

"We rebound, that's what we do," Patsos said. "We have bug guards; they're not making threes, so they better rebound. I think Ryan's shooting suffered a bit because he played so hard on defense. He knows he has two months left to play then it's off to Rodeo Drive. Ryan Oliver is impressive. He's the only guy I still yet."

Niagara got 19 points from Emile Blackman and 16 from Marvin Prochet. The Purple Eagles shot 52% from the field and used a 10-0 run to build a 21-11 lead midway through the first half.

Siena played with composure and methodically pulled away down the stretch.

"It's gonna take a village for this team until Marquis gets back," Patsos said. "We have Brett on the bench with four fouls, and we gutted it out. I don't take any MAAC wins for granted."

Certainly not the Saints' next conference challenge at two-time defending champion Manhattan Monday night. Patsos expects the Jaspers will be out for revenge after Siena's 35-point thrashing in December.

"I know one thing, Manhattan is going to be ready," Patsos said. "Manhattan will be fired up. Shane Richards isn't going out against Siena with a 35-point loss."