Siena Puts Up Better Effort But Fall To Iona

Despite being down in bodies and, if their record is any indication, spirit, the Siena Saints put up a big effort Friday at home against Iona, but lost again nonetheless 66-62.

The high flying Gaels were kept under their usual output on the scoreboard but when you have lost 10 straight as Siena has lost, close or competitive is no good.

Siena led at the break and kept Iona to only 24 points (29-24) but couldn't hold that lead as the teams went back and forth in the second half. Siena actually opened that lead to 10 points, 38-28 before the Gaels staged their comeback.

Down nine with just over nine minutes remaining Iona went on a 11-0 run to go up 51-49. Iona was led in their comeback by Lamont Jones who scored 19 points and was nearly flawless from the foul line down the stretch. Sean Armand hit two big three point shots in the Iona run. After the Gaels run the lead switched back and forth, changing eight more times.

Iona put the game away with another mini-run of 5-0 to open the lead and ice the ballgame. O.D. Anosike topped the Saints as he usually does with another double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds. Rob Poole also had a solid game for the Saints contributing 18 points.

Siena is now a paltry 2-12, including 0-3 in the MAAC conference. They hope to stop this dreadful slide when they hit the road for a Sunday battle against Rider Broncs. Rider is also struggling with their record standing at 6-9 (1-2 MAAC). Tip is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. ET.