Siena Slips By Manhattan And Creeps Up A Bit In MAAC Standings

When you lose 11 straight games in the heart of the season, winning 4 of 7 heading down the stretch is a decent turnaround.

With a nice 66-63 win at the Times Union Center Friday night over the Jaspers that's exactly what the Saints have done and if they can string together a few more wins they can at least get a decent seed in the conference tournament.

The Saints have their 2nd two game winning streak of the year after holding on vs Manhattan. Rakeem Brookins knocked down 11 free throws, a number of them down the stretch as the Saints staved off a furious Jasper rally. With 8 minutes left in the game Siena led by 13. Up 63-61 and holding on, Brookins stole the ball and was fouled. He nailed both freebies and that finally iced Manhattan.

Brookins led the Saints with 18 points and Trinity Burdine chipped in 14.Rob Poole added 13 and Evan Hymes finished with 11. It was an off game for big fella O.D. Anosike who was held to 5 points and 6 boards.

The win ties the Saints with Manhattan for 7th place in the MAAC, both stand 1 game behind Fairfield. The Saints host the Stags Monday night at the TU Center. A win can propel them to 6th and on the heels of Ryder who presently stand 5th. The Saints will then hit the road for 3 straight games.