LOUDONVILLE - It was a whirlwind of a game for the Siena Saints on Saturday afternoon, as they faced the Monmouth Hawks at the Alumni Recreation Center. Down by as much as 17 in the first quarter, the Saints clawed their way back into the game. But Monmouth was able to take advantage in overtime, as Siena fell 56-54.

The Saints (10-14, 6-7) were led by the duo of junior Maddie Sims and redshirt junior Joella Gibson. Sims provided her sixth double-double of the season in a 13 point, 13 rebound performance, while Gibson collected the first double-double of her career with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sims added two blocks, two assists, and two steals in the process while Gibson dished out a pair of assists as well. Redshirt senior Aaliyah Jones also reached double digits, dropping 10 points in the game.

Monmouth (9-13, 5-6) was led with a 14-point afternoon Mckinzee Barker, as she went 5-of-10 from the field with three three pointers. Barker also dished our three assists, and snagged four rebounds. Erica Balman pumped in nine points, while Lucy Thomas added six points and six rebounds.

It was all Hawks through the first 10 minutes of play, as they came out flying and took a 17 point lead by the 2:04 mark left in the first quarter, as they opened a 20-3 lead. The Saints struggled to score early, but chipped away over the last few minutes to put the score at 22-8 after the first quarter.

Siena would find their way in the second quarter, as the score stood 24-8 in favor of Monmouth, the Green and Gold put up a 10-0 run to cut the lead to just six points with 4:22 to play in the second. By the time halftime rolled around, Monmouth only held a six point lead, 29-23.

Monmouth came out and opened up an 11 point lead in the third quarter, as a Sierra Green three-pointer gave them a 38-27 lead. However, that would be the last made basket for the Hawks in the third, as Siena ended the last 6:20 of the quarter on an 9-0 run, which spilled into the fourth. Back-to-back three pointers from Jones brought Siena within two, and gave them the lead early in the fourth quarter.

All in all, it would be a 16-0 run from Siena into the fourth quarter, as they took a five point lead after a Deja Rawls jumper with 7:48 to play. The Saints had held Monmouth scoreless over eight minutes, until a layup from Thomas brought Monmouth back within a point with 4:05 to play. Both sides traded barbs, and stood tied with 38 seconds to play after a pair of free throws from Alexa Wallace brought things even. It would stay that way though the buzzer, forcing overtime.

In overtime, the Saints struggled to score the basketball but would hang in thanks to back-to-back layups from Joella Gibson and Deja Rawls. With the score tied 54-54 with 35 seconds to play, a foul would be called and Monmouth would go to the line. They would get a pair out of four free throws to take an advantage. Despite the deficit, Siena would grab a rebound on the last missed free throw and call a timeout. With the ball advanced, Siena had a chance to tie or win. A heave from the Saints would bang off the side of the rim, giving Monmouth the win.

The Saints return to the floor on Thursday, Feb. 14 when they take on the Fairfield Stags in game two of a three-game home stand. Tip-off for the matchup is slated for 7 p.m.