Siena Upends Rider, Now 12-7

The Siena men's basketball team used an 11-0 run late -- and a new-looked zone defense -- to upend Rider on Thursday night in an important MAAC game at the Times Union Center.

Jimmy Patsos has his team 12-7 overall (Getty Images).

With the 63-52 win, the Saints are now 12-7 overall and 5-3 in league play. Remember, they are playing without superstar point guard Marquis Wright, sidleined until at least the middle of February with a stress fracture in his foot.

In his absence, freshman Nico Clareth has stepped up, and he did so again on Thursday, hitting four threes in the win. He finished with 14 points. Troy High School graduate Javion Ogunyemi had 19 points to lead the team. He added six rebounds.

Siena has done a good job getting production from several players on offense. That was evident on Thursday, as starter Brett Bisping scored just three points but the team was able to overcome it.

Siena travels to Buffalo next for a series with Canisius (Sunday) and Niagara (Tuesday).