After 38 straight wins in on their home court, Siena knew the nation’s second longest home court winning streak would come to an end at some point this season. They just didn’t think it would be in the season opener against Vermont. However, after a frantic comeback in the second half that saw the Saints cut a 15 point lead down to two in the final minutes, it was Vermont who ultimately grabbed the victory 80 to 76.
“I think it certainly sad that is got broken, but we are a team that needs work, but going in, I knew this is a game that was tough,” said Siena first year coach Mitch Buonaguro.
In the early minutes of the first half, Siena looked poised for an easy win with Ryan Rossiter and O.D. Anosike having their way inside with the Saints up six after ten minutes in the books. The rest of the half showed Siena’s inexperience at point guard, as the inside dominance was negated because the guards couldn’t set up the post players. Vermont wrapped up the first half with a four point lead.
In the second half, Vermont extended their lead to 15 points, holding that lead until the 8:27 mark. Ryan Rossiter rallied the Saints with 21 second half points but it wasn’t enough. Rossiter lead Siena with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Clarence Jackson added 14 points.
Going into the season, the Saints are aiming for their fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance, if they are to achieve that goal there is plenty of work still to do.
“The point guard position still has a lot of question marks,” said Buonaguro, after his point guards shot 3-15 from the field.
Coach Buonaguro’s team won’t have much time for improvement as they hit the road Minnesota Monday night.
Observations
When Ryan Rossiter wants to score, there doesn’t appear to be anyone who can stop him. The biggest challenge going forward is to make sure the guards give him those chances to score.
O.D. Anosike looks like he has the potential to be a force down low this season.