With time ticking down in the first half and Siena up by 16 points, it looked like the makings of an easy Saints’ home win. However, Mitch Buonaguro’s squad scratched and clawed their way to a 73 to 69 win.
The Saints offense was clicking in the first half, but a late run by Canisius left the Saints with a 41 to 34 halftime lead. In the second half, it was the Canisius offense that was hot grabbing the lead for the first time of the night with less than three minutes to play. Siena’s Ryan Rossiter knocked down a jumper to retake the lead and the Saints received a few important defensive stops to hold on for the win.
Rossiter led the Saints with another double double with 28 points and 10 rebounds. With the victory the Saints improve to 7-10 on the season and move to 4-3 in the MAAC.
Gaby Balardo’s career game with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists lead Canisius who fell to 8-9 on the season, 2-5 in the MAAC.
Siena returns to the court Friday on the road at Saint Peter’s.
Observations
While Clarence Jackson didn’t have a great game, 15 points on 5-17 shooting, the team is considerably more fluent on offense with the senior in the rotation.
With Ryan Rossiter being able to score all over the court almost whenever he wants, it’s kind of surprising he doesn’t get the ball more often. When the offense struggles it’s because Rossiter isn’t getting his touches.