ALBANY - It's simply coincidence that Clarence Jackson has missed two of the last three games Siena has played against BCS schools.

Jackson missed the Saints' first round NCAA Tournament game against Purdue last season because of a right ankle sprain.

Jackson hurt his ankle during Monday's practice and told Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro that he couldn't go.

"I was honest with myself and with the coaching staff," Jackson said. "I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize myself and jeopardize the team. Obviously, I wanted to be out there. It's a big game and we showed tremendous fight."

To be fair, the one time he did play, he lit up Minnesota for a career-high 29 points.

Jackson went through the walk through and actually felt all right.

"I thought I would be able to go today," he said.

After warmups the ankle was sore and swelled up a little and even pain mediciene couldn't relieve the pain.

The Saints still were able to defeat Georgia Tech, 62-57. Kyle Downey, who started for Jackson, finished with 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.

"We need more bench play and more guys to step up and we're going to be a very good team," Jackson said.

Jackson is still just eight points shy of 1,000 for his career and with five days before the next game, at St. Bonaventure, he should be back in the fold by then.