The Siena Saints (15-5 [9-0]) defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles (14-6 [5-3]) by the final score of 82 to 65 in front of 7,980 fans in Albany. The Saints led from start to finish in a nationally televised afternoon matinee. This is the best start for a MAAC team since Speedy Morris’ 1989-90 La Salle Explorers [dare I say... who went on to run the table]. This is Siena’s 6th win over a Top 100 RPI team.

Siena’s 3/4 court 1-2-2 really shut down Niagara at the start of the second half. The big sophomore center continued to bloom, playing a phenomenal all around game; 18 points [7/7 from the field], 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. His perfect FG% today boosted his already 1st in the MAAC FG%. I’ll tell you what, we just have so many offensive weapons. With Kenny, the big three juniors, and this year the emergence of Rossiter– it just makes it so hard for our opponents to stop us offensively. The Saints won without the benefit of the three point jumper today, consistently turning over the Purple Eagles and dominating in points in the paint.

This was a huge win over 2nd seeded Niagara. The Saints have now separated themselves from the rest of the league, giving themselves a three game cushion in the MAAC.