Saturday, December 31, 2011

GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Mount St. Mary's

The University at Albany Great Danes take to the floor one last time in 2011, trying to pick up their eighth non-conference victory of the season.

Here is a game capsule.

UALBANY AT MOUNT ST. MARY’S
When: Today, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Knott Arena, Emmitsburg, Md.
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Zach Bye)
2011-12 Records: UAlbany 7-6. Mount St. Mary’s 2-10.
Last Meeting: UAlbany 77, Mount St. Mary’s 57, at SEFCU Arena, Albany on Dec. 18, 2010 —
UAlbany leads all-time series 1-0
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
UALBANY
No./Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
10    Mike Black    G    Jr.     6-0     12.3
2    Logan Aronhalt    G    Jr.     6-3    15.0
20    Gerardo Suero    G    Jr.    6-4    21.5
11    Luke Devlin    F    So.     6-8     5.8
21    Blake Metcalf     C     Jr.    6-9    4.4
MOUNT ST. MARY’S
No./Name    Pos.     Yr.    Ht.     Ppg.
12    Josh Castellanos    G    So.    6-0    7.8
23    Julian Norfleet    G    So.    6-2     10.8
21    Kelvin Parker    G    Fr.    6-3    7.1
42    Danny Thompson    F     Sr.    6-7     7.3
13    Kristijan Krajina    F    So.     6-9    4.3

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Top 10 Siena & UAlbany moments of 2011

As we do when all years come to an end, we look back at the best performances and try to figure out what was the best.

I've covered Siena and UAlbany basketball for five seasons and put together what I think are the Top 10 moments of 2011.

See what you think...and let me know if I'm wrong (I'm not).


10. EVAN HYMES SCORES 30 (Nov. 19)
Siena point guard Evan Hymes has burst onto the scene this season. In just his second game, the diminutive point guard, who is starting because of a season-ending injury to Rakeem Brookins, went off. Hymes scored 30 points in a 65-53 victory that started the Siena 2011-12 season with back-to-back victories. Hymes was 9-for-17 from the floor and 9-for-14 from the free throw line.

9. MIKE BLACK DROPS CAREER-HIGH 26 ON MAINE (Feb. 27)
UAlbany's point guard is known more for distrubuting, but in the season finale last year Black torched Maine for a career-high 26 points in a 81-77 overtime victory. Black hit five 3-pointers, but also finished with five assists in the win, while playing 40 of the 45 minutes in the game.

8. CLARENCE JACKSON COMES OFF BENCH TO LIGHT UP MARIST (Jan. 14)
Clarence Jackson dealt with a long list of injuries during his senior season, but on this night he put the setbacks behind him and gave a clutch performance. Jackson finished with 19 points and hit five 3-pointers at the McCann Center as Siena took down rival Marist 66-59. Jackson finished 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.

7. UALBANY CLOBBERS BINGHAMTON 76-37 (Jan. 20)
The Great Danes and Bearcats have a good rivalry, both being SUNY schools. On this night, UAlbany let their state rivals have it, setting new Division I win margin, winning by 39, 76-37, over Binghamton. Mike Black led four Great Danes in double figures with 15 points. The Bearcats made just 12 field goals and shot 21 percent (12-57) from the floor.

6. ARONHALT & AMBROSE GO 20-20 on UMBC (Jan. 26)
Logan Aronhalt really burst onto the scene last season, overcoming a lot of injuries to have a breakthrough campaign. In this game, Aronhalt lit up University of Maryland-Baltimore Country for 28 points, while senior Tim Ambrose finished with 25 points in the 66-63 victory, down in Baltimore. Aronhalt and Ambrose combined to shoot 19-for-35 (54.3%) from the field in the game.  

5. UALBANY TAKES TALENTS TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (Feb. 11)
While this game wasn't a victory for the Great Danes, the UAlbany players got the thrill of a lifetime, as the team took the floor to play at the world's most famous arena. Boston University picked up the 63-44 win, but it's a moment that the Great Danes and Terriers both will remember forever. Tim Ambrose led the way for UAlbany with 13 points. 

4. RYAN ROSSITER BECOMES SIENA'S TOP REBOUNDER (Feb. 7)
Ryan Rossiter broke a lot of records and had a terrific senior season for Siena. On this night, Rossiter only put up 23 points and 20 rebounds in a 76-69 loss to Loyola (Md.). In the process, Rossiter became the Saints all-time leading rebounder, passing Lee Matthews ('93). Rossiter, who ended his career with 1,151 boards, finished with nine offensive rebounds on this night. 

3. GERARDO SUERO DROPS 31 ON SYRACUSE (Nov. 15)
Gerardo Suero really burst onto the scene this season, proving that he is one of the top newcomers in the America East and possibly the country. UAlbany lost on this night to Syracuse, 98-74, but Suero scored a game-high 31 points against the Orange's vaunted zone defense. Suero was 9-for-16 from the floor and 11-for-12 from the free throw line, in just his third game for the Great Danes.

2. O.D. ANOSIKE LETS HIS PLAY DO THE TALKING (Dec. 5)
Siena junior center O.D. Anosike caught the attention of nearly everyone in the Captial District when he said he thought Siena was still the favorite, heading into the Albany Cup matchup. Anosike backed it up, scoring 21 points and grabbing 18 rebounds as the Saints regained the bragging rights with a 64-60 victory. Following the game, Coach Mitch Buonaguro said he hoped Anosike would tweet less, while Anosike who hadn't tweeted the original statement, was just happy with the victory.

1. RYAN ROSSITER GIVES HOMETOWN CROWD ONE LAST THRILL (Feb. 27)
Ryan Rossiter gave the hometown Albany crowd one more thing to cheer about, in the final home game of his career. Rossiter finished with a career-high 34 points and 11 rebounds in a 81-73 victory over Marist. There's not much more you can say about Rossiter, as a week later, he was honored with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year award.


Honorable Mention:
  • Ryan Rossiter 26 pts. 15 reb. in victory over Iona – Jan. 3 (Siena 1,000th win)
  • Siena's Jonathan Breeden scores 24 pts vs. Iona in loss – Feb. 11
  • UAlbany's Jayson Guerrier 28 pts, 10 reb. vs. Monmouth – Nov. 21
  • Gerardo Suero 29 pts. vs. Colgate – Dec. 7
  • Ambrose 15 pts 14 reb. 52-50 @ Stony (3rd double-double, career-high rebounds) - Jan. 17
  • Luke Devlin 11 pts & 11 reb. In victory over Hartford – Feb. 5
  • Ambrose 22 pts in victory over Stony (past 1,500 career pts) – Feb. 14

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College Hoops Chat - Dec. 29

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Maryland outlasts UAlbany, 83-72

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Alex Len played the first collegiate game of his career on Wednesday evening.

The University of Maryland freshman sat out the first 10 games, due to a NCAA suspension.

The University at Albany men’s basketball team wished he sat out 11.

Len finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in 27 minutes, as Maryland had just enough offense to defeat UAlbany, 83-72, at the Comcast Center.

“Alex Len couldn’t have sat one more game?” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

The Great Danes (7-6) hung tough, even taking a second-half lead on a basket from Gerardo Suero.

The game went back and forth in the early stages of the second half, but in the end, the Terrapins (8-3) pulled away, using a big run to gain a double-digit lead.

Suero matched for game-high honors with 22 points, while Luke Devlin added 16 points for UAlbany.

“I’m glad that Luke stepped up, took some shots and knocked them down,” Brown said.

Suero also had eight assists and seven rebounds, in 36 minutes of action.

Terrell Stoglin, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s leading scorer, finished with 22 points for Maryland.

Len, the 7-foot-1 Ukrainian big man, was a force offensively and is projected to be a very good player. 

“I think we would have won this game is Len didn’t play,” Brown said.

Logan Aronhalt and Mike Black each chipped in 13 points for the Great Danes.

“I’m proud of our guys’ effort,” Brown said. “I thought we really buckled down and did some good things.”

UAlbany is now 0-5 all-time against the ACC.

The Great Danes remain in the nation’s capital, as they will take on Mount St. Mary’s for a New Year’s Eve matinee, at 3:30 p.m., on Saturday.

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VIDEOS: Siena/Florida Atlantic postgame

Postgame reaction from Siena's 67-60 victory over Florida Atlantic on Wednesday, courtesy of the Siena Athletic Department, who was on scene in Boca Raton.



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Siena takes down Florida Atlantic, 67-60

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Siena men’s basketball team closed out 2011 on a solid note, on Wednesday evening.

The Saints stepped up their defense in the second half and that carried them to a 67-60 victory over Florida Atlantic.

Siena (5-7) finished the calendar year on a two-game winning streak and did so, by holding the Owls (4-9) to just 21 points in the second half.

Junior O.D. Anosike posted his eighth consecutive double-double, finishing with a game-high 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Kyle Downey and Evan Hymes each played the entire 40 minutes for the second straight game, finishing with 14 points apiece.

Also for the second straight game, Siena played just six players.

“I just think everybody on the team has the will to win," Hymes said. “Even though we're (short-handed), everything that’s happened to us this year with all the injuries, we just persevere. We came through and we played tough in this game.”

Downey hit a shot, midway through the second half, to give the Saints the lead for good.

Florida Atlantic scored only eight points in the game’s final 11 minutes.

Rob Poole hit some big shots late for the Saints, matching a career-high with 11 points off the bench.

The Owls, who were picked to finish first in the Sun Belt East Division in preseason, were led by Greg Gantt’s 16 points.

Florida Atlantic shot 8-for-20 from beyond the arc in the first half, but finished 0-for-11 after intermission.

Siena shot 58 percent (15-26) from the field in the first half, but trailed 39-36.

The Saints got big 3-pointers from Downey and Owen Wignot to bolster an early 9-0 run to get Siena in front.

Siena, which has won three of its past five games, takes on conference rival Iona, at Madison Square Garden, on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

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GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Maryland

Jeff Couch/The Record
The University at Albany has a huge road test on Wednesday evening.

The Great Danes will take on the Terrapins of the University of Maryland.

The Terrapins aren't one of the top teams in the ACC, picked ninth in the preseason poll. Despite that, Maryland has some very talented players and certainly are the favorite.

The Great Danes have won five of their last seven games and are playing good basketball right now.

Here are some links to read up on Maryland.The big news clearly is the eligibility of 7-foot-1 freshman Alex Len.

Terps excited to get 7-foot-1 freshman Len into the mix - Baltimore Sun

With addition of Alex Len, Maryland basketball continues to tinker with lineup - Washington Post

Terps finally to play with full deck - Washington Examiner

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GAMEDAY: Siena at Florida Atlantic

Jeff Couch/The Record
The Siena men's basketball team resumes play on Wednesday, when they take on the Owls of Florida Atlantic.

The Owls are coached by Mike Jarvis, who made his name St. John's, Boston University and George Washington.

Florida Atlantic has nearly all five starters in double figures, yet still is struggling to string together some victories.

In last year's game, Siena got 27 points from Ryan Rossiter and 20 from Clarence Jackson to defeat Florida Atlantic 72-69.

FAU, Siena both feature pint-sized point guards - Sun Sentinel

Below is a capsule for the game.


SIENA AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: FAU Arena, Boca Raton, Fla.
Radio: Talk 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
2011-12 Records: Siena 4-7. Florida Atlantic 4-8. 
Last Meeting: Siena 72, Florida Atlantic 69, Dec. 13, 2010 at Times Union Center, Albany — Siena leads all-time series 1-0
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA
No./Name    Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
5    Evan Hymes    G    Fr.    5-8    15.0
3    Kyle Downey    G    Sr.    6-2    12.9
31    Owen Wignot     F    Sr.    6-6     3.5
1    O.D. Anosike    F    Jr.    6-8    13.0
0    Brandon Walters    C    Sr.    6-8    6.2
FLORIDA ATLANTIC
No./Name    Pos.     Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
2    Raymond Taylor    G    Jr.    5-6    9.8
22    Greg Gantt    G    Jr.    6-2    12.9 
25    Pablo Bertone    G    So.    6-3    10.0
31    Omari Grier    G    Fr.    6-3     10.8
52    Kore White    F    Jr.    6-8    10.0

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Friday, December 23, 2011

VIDEO: UAlbany/Dartmouth postgame

University at Albany coach Will Brown talks about his team's victory over Dartmouth on Friday afternoon.

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UAlbany 82, Dartmouth 74

ALBANY - The University at Albany men's basketball team got the lead and they held on to it.

Dartmouth did cut the lead to eight in the second half, but I think UAlbany coach Will Brown will be happy with a solid 82-74 victory on Friday afternoon. 

Gerardo Suero led the way for the Great Danes (7-5), scoring 23 points, but it was a pretty balanced scored attack. Mike Black added 20 points, Logan Aronhalt finished with 15 and Luke Devlin poured in 11.

UAlbany made 10 3-pointers and finished 48 percent (26-54) from the field.

The Big Green (3-10) was led by Jabrai Trotter, who finished with 22 points.

The Great Danes will enjoy a couple days off, before heading south, to take on Maryland on Wednesday, Dec. 28.

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UAlbany 46, Dartmouth 31 (half)

ALBANY - UAlbany is playing pretty well so far.

The Great Danes have a balanced offensive effort and are playing pretty solid on the defensive end.

UAlbany actually made seven 3-pointers in the first half and had five players score six or more points. Gerardo Suero leads the way with 13 points, while Mike Black chipped in 11. 

Jabari Trotter lead the Big Green with 10 points.

The Great Danes built the lead as big as 17, 35-18, and looks to have this game pretty much in control. The key will be not letting Dartmouth back in the game, which has been an issue for UAlbany so far this season.

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Ice, Ice for UAlbany's Logan Aronhalt

J.S. Carras/The Record
ALBANY - Logan Aronhalt is no stranger to ice.

The University at Albany junior has been dealing with some issues in his right knee for the past few weeks and makes it a routine to ice the knee as often as possible.

Usually that means ice is on the knee two or three times per day, to keep it from swelling and also keep it loose. 

“I'm going to as much as I can to take care of my body and alleviate the pain,” said Aronhalt, on Thursday.

Aronhalt has some microfractures in the knee and is hoping to avoid surgery until after the season.

"The pain is tolerable right now," he said.

Aronhalt says that if he stays in one position for more than an hour the knee locks up, even when he's sleeping. 

Aronhalt is the Great Danes' leading scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game, so he needs to be out on the floor.

“We have to do what's best for his health," said. UAlbany coach Will Brown. "Having him on the floor makes us better as a team.”

Aronhalt and UAlbany take on Dartmouth on Friday, at 2 p.m.

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GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. Dartmouth

Jeff Couch/The Record
This game is a mismatch on paper.

UAlbany likes to score a lot and Dartmouth would prefer a game played in the 50's.

If the Great Danes play to their potential they should head into a short Christmas break, with a win.

The Big Green will shoot a lot of three's and don't have any big scorer, which can be bad for a defense because you have to guard everyone.

Over the past few days UAlbany has talked about playing more consistent defense, when they have a big lead.

It'll be interesting to see how they play on Friday, should they go up big.

Also, nearly all of the Great Danes will be heading out of town following Friday's game. They'll need to make sure they keep their heads in the game and not be thinking about a trip home.

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Buonaguro prepares Siena for victory

J.S. Carras/The Record
ALBANY - Mitch Buonaguro has repeatedly stated that he likes a long time to prepare for a game.

On Thursday evening, the Saints showed that they were fully prepared to take down Princeton, winning 63-59.

Buonaguro is terrific with his game prep and the Saints knew everything the Tigers were doing.

“We were able to scout this team well, with the break that we had,” said junior O.D. Anosike,

Senior Kyle Downey said the team knew everything Princeton was going to run, like the back of their hands. 

“You shouldn't really score," Downey said. "He has every play called."

Usually a team doesn't have more than a day or two to prepare between games, but the Saints had nine days off due to final exams and Buonaguro took full advantage. 

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Siena 63, Princeton 59

ALBANY - A good victory for Siena.

For a long time, it looked like the similar script of a tough game that sees the Saints fall short.

In the end though, Siena did just enough to post a 63-59 victory over Princeton on Thursday evening.

Freshman point guard Evan Hymes led the way with 22 points and O.D. Anosike posted his seventh straight double-double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Saints (4-7).

The Tigers (6-7) knocked down 13 3-pointers on the night. Douglas Davis finished with seven treys and a game-high 23 points, Ian Hummer scored 16.

Siena next plays against Florida Atlantic, on Wednesday, Dec. 28.

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Princeton 32, Siena 29 (half)

ALBANY - Siena avoided a slow start, but they were unable to do a good job defending the 3-point line in the first half.

Princeton hit seven 3-pointers in the first half and holds a 32-29 lead at intermission.

The Tigers were led by Douglas Davis and T.J. Bray, who each have 12 points. Davis hit four treys and Bray hit three. Princeton is shooting 7-for-18 from beyond the arc.

The Saints were led by freshman point guard Evan Hymes, who has 14 points, his season average. 

O.D Anosike had a tough time getting going, finishing the half with just four points and five rebounds.

Princeton's star Ian Hummer has six points and three rebounds.

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GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Princeton

J.S. Carras/The Record
The Siena Saints have been off the floor for 10 days, but they have finished finals and get back to playing on Thursday night, when they host Princeton from the Ivy League.

The Tigers are 6-6 and have won five of their last six games.

Siena will be squaring off against a Princeton team that has a lot of size, which will be a challenge for Brandon Walters and O.D. Anosike.

It will be the first game for the Saints since freshman guard Davonte Beard decided to transfer.

“He was a good player," said senior Kyle Downey. "But we just have to move on from here.”

Siena will be looking to avenge last year's 86-77 overtime loss to Princeton.

“We felt like we should have won that game," Downey said.

PRINCETON AT SIENA
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Times Union Center (8,766), Albany
TV: Time Warner-3 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter, Marisa Jacques)
Radio: Talk 1300-AM (Andrew Catalon, Andy Grazulis)
2011-12 Records: Princeton 6-6. Siena 3-7. 
Last Meeting: Princeton 86, Siena 77 (OT) on Nov. 28, 2010 at Jadwin Gym, Princeton, N.J. — Princeton leads the all-time series 1-0
About the Tigers: Princeton has won five of its last six games, following a 1-5 start. The Tigers are led by junior Ian Hummer, who had lead the team in scoring in all but one game and is the top rebounder and assist man on the team. 
About the Saints: Siena has lost seven of its last eight games after a 2-0 start to the year. Sophomore Trenity Burdine will not play this evening, due to a foot injury that has kept him sidelined the entire season.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
PRINCETON
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
20, Douglas Davis, G, Sr., 5-11, 12.0
5, T.J. Bray, G, So., 6-5, 5.9
34, Ian Hummer, F, Jr., 6-7, 18.0
22, Patrick Saunders, F, Sr., 6-8, 6.1
32, Mack Darrow, F, Jr., 6-9, 6.3
SIENA
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.3
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.7
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 2.8
1, O.D. Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 13.1
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.6

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

College Hoops Chat - Dec. 21

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

VIDEO: FOX-23 highlights of UAlbany win

Here are highlights of the University at Albany's victory over St. Francis (NY), courtesy of WXXA Fox-23.

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Monday, December 19, 2011

UAlbany posts road victory over St. Francis (NY)

BROOKLYN — The University at Albany men’s basketball team blew a big lead on Monday evening, but they were able to come-from-behind and post their first road victory of the season.

The Great Danes (6-5) coughed up a 16-point halftime lead, but erased a five-point deficit with 9:40 to play, to post a 76-64 victory over St. Francis (NY).

Junior guard Gerardo Suero posted his seventh 20-plus point contest of the season, tying for game-high honors with 25 points in the victory.

“By the end of the year, you’ll see an even better Gerardo Suero,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.

The Great Danes led 41-26 at halftime, but the Terriers (3-7) started the second half on a 20-1 run, to take the lead.

St. Francis did most of their damage from beyond the arc, shooting 14-for-29 (48.3%) from long distance.

“When it rains, it pours,” Brown said. “They hit some deep ones, but we had some major breakdowns defensively.”

Travis Nichols hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 25 points, while Ben Mockford added 13 and Stefan Perunicic added 11.

Suero would help the Great Danes resume control, spinning through the lane and scoring for a 3-point play that gave UAlbany a 67-62 lead.

UAlbany finished the game on a 12-2 run, knocking down seven of the eight free throws it attempted.

Suero led four Great Danes players in double figures, with Logan Aronhalt (14), Mike Black (11) and Ralph Watts (10) contributing offensively. 

“I thought Logan hit some big shots,” Brown said. “I thought Ralph Watts played great for us.”

The Great Danes had lost their first four true road games against Pittsburgh, Syracuse, James Madison and Siena.

UAlbany will be back in action on Friday, when they host Dartmouth at SEFCU Arena, at 2 p.m.

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GAMEDAY: UAlbany at St. Francis (NY)

J.S. Carras/The Record
The University at Albany will be looking to bounce back on Monday evening, when the team takes on St. Francis (NY).

The Great Dane (5-5)s dropped an overtime decision to Cornell, on Saturday, which was a mild setback for this team that is still hoping to string some victories together.

UAlbany has never lost to St. Francis (NY) in three previous meetings, including back in 2008, when freshman Anthony Raffa matched game-high honors with 14 points in a 68-56 victory.

This Terriers (3-6) team is a little hard to figure out.

St. Francis lost to Seton Hall by only four points, in the season-opener, but also lost by 40 points to Wagner.

This is also the first home game of the season for the Terriers.

St. Francis' leading scorer is Iona transfer Ben Mockford, who played six minutes off the bench against UAlbany two years ago, at SEFCU Arena.

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

GAMEDAY: UAlbany at Cornell


J.S. Carras/The Record
This should be an interesting game, as both the University at Albany and Cornell have been off for a few weeks, due to final exams. 
The Great Danes want to keep the momentum rolling. 
 
So far, UAlbany has played pretty well this year, with the one exception coming in the rivalry game, against Siena. 

“I’m very proud of this team and the way we’ve come together,” said junior forward Blake Metcalf.

There are five games remaining for UAlbany before conference season begins and each one of them is important. 

“I’m anxious for us to compete against a good team,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown.
 
UALBANY AT CORNELL
When: Today, 2 p.m.
Where: Newman Arena (4,473), Ithaca
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Rodger Wyland, Zach Bye)
2009-10 Records: UAlbany 5-4. Cornell 3-4.
Last Meeting: Cornell 65, UAlbany 61, at SEFCU Arena, on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 — UAlbany leads the all-time series 3-1
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
UALBANY
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
10, Mike Black, G, Jr., 6-0, 11.2
2, Lgoan Aronhalt, G, Jr., 6-3, 14.9 
20, Gerardo Suero, G, Jr., 6-4, 20.9
11, Luke Devlin, F, So., 6-8, 3.7 
21, Blake Metcalf, C, Jr., 6-9, 4.1
CORNELL
No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
3, Chris Wroblewski, G, Sr., 6-0, 9.4
15, Drew Ferry, G, Sr., 6-2, 13.0
22, Miles Asafo-Adjei, G, Jr., 6-2, 3.4
32, Shonn Miller, F, Fr., 6-7, 9.4
55, Eitan Chemerinski, Jr., F, 6-8, 8.9

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Friday, December 16, 2011

VIDEO: Blake Metcalf previews Cornell game

University at Albany junior forward Blake Metcalf talks about the upcoming game against Cornell.

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UAlbany's Aronhalt dealing with knee issue

J.S. Carras/The Record
ALBANY - University at Albany coach Will Brown had spoke of an undisclosed injury, just before the Siena game.

On Friday, he said what he had withheld two weeks ago.

Junior guard Logan Aronhalt has a right knee issue that could force him to have offseason surgery.

“We’re just trying to get him through to March, without having to do (the surgery) now,” Brown said.

Aronhalt, who is averaging 14.9 points per game, started to see his knee problem flare up just before the Siena game.

The Great Danes have been off the past 10 days and Aronhalt has practiced a little bit.

“He’s practiced, but he hasn’t been Logan,” Brown said.
 
Aronhalt will be able to continue to play, as long as he doesn't take a direct hit to the knee.

“He wants to be out there," Brown said. "He wants to be with his teammates. He wants to keep a good rhythm, but after watching him this past week, we need to give him some time off.”

Brown said his plan for Aronhalt is to play Saturday against Cornell, not practice Sunday and then play again on Monday, against St. Francis (NY).

Brown said that Aronhalt has been practicing, but he'll have to reduce that to make sure he can last until March.

“He’s a tough kid and wants to practice every day.”

Aronhalt has a condition called Osgood-Schlatter, but also has some microfractures between the tibia and the patella.

Brown said that Aronhalt wanted no part of surgery, which would have likely had him sidelined for at least two months

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

VIDEO: Mitch Buonaguro reacts to Beard news

Here is video of Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talking about the news that broke Thursday, that freshman Davonte Beard will transfer. (courtesy Siena Athletic Department).

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Davonte Beard leaving Siena

LOUDONVILLE - Siena freshman Davonte Beard will be leaving the program, according to a press release from the school.

"This was a very difficult decision for me," Beard said in the statement released by the college. "I would rather be close to home, close to my mother and my two brothers. It is hard not having them come to see my play. I would rather transfer to a school close to home so my friends and family can come to the games."

Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro will meet with the media at 3:30 p.m., on Thursday.

Jeff Couch/The Record

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Kyle Downey breaks out and other Siena notes

J.S. Carras/The Record
LOUDONVILLE - Senior Kyle Downey has played 74 minutes over the past two games.

Siena's senior captain has been the leading scorer in both games, combining for 45 points.

The back-to-back solid performances have his scoring average up to 12.7 points per game.

"I thought he looked fresh in the two games, when other players looked tired," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro, at Tuesday's meeting with the media.

Buonaguro knew he would get a solid senior campaign from Downey and the Fairport native is showing what he's capable of.

"I think it's a byproduct of his conditioning, his work ethic and how he came into the season," Buonaguro said. "I thought the other night, against UMass, he played terrific and he followed it up with a really good effort last night. We're going to need that moving forward against Princeton."

BURDINE UPDATE: If you've been at the Siena game recently, you've noticed that sophomore Trenity Burdine is warming up with the team.

Coach Buonaguro said that is a positive step, but he still hasn't seen Burdine do much cutting.

The talk on Tuesday was that Burdine could be back with the team, but Buonaguro really wants him back for the Iona game (Jan. 3). 

"We don't want to push him into something where he's going to regress."

WIGNOT NOT HIMSELF: Senior Owen Wignot was held scoreless on Tuesday, in 23 minutes against Fordham.

It certainly seemed like a step backwards, following an 8-point performance against UMass, on Friday.

"He's certainly not playing with the same level of confidence," Buonaguro said. "I think you can see that. We need him to produce."

Buonaguro just finished by saying that Owen isn't playing like he's shown he's capable of, in the past.

TIME OFF: The Saints have one of their longest layoffs of the year now, due to finals and Buonaguro said he'll take the time to work on things he thinks the team needs improvement in.

He also said that it will be important to get the young players some rest, heading into the next portion of the schedule.

"Maybe these freshmen have hit a wall," Buonaguro said. "They've been through a lot and we need to get them refocused, reenergized and be positive with them in these nine days."

Having lost seven of their last eight games, Buonaguro said it's vital that he keeps the younger player's confidence up.

"I think freshmen have to be resilient, but you have to keep reminding them to move on," he said.

MITCHELL JOINS UBILES WITH WARRIORS: The Golden State Warriors have signed another former Siena player, in Tommy Mitchell ('05).

He joins Edwin Ubiles ('10) in training camp with the Warriors, as both players will try to make the squad for opening day.

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Saints turn in clunker vs. Fordham

ALBANY - Evan Hymes sat in front of his locker, following a 74-59 loss to Fordham, frustrated by what had just transpired.

Siena's leading scorer, Hymes, finished with just eight points in what was a very difficult game for his team.

Coming off of one of his best performances (16 pts, 7 ast) against Massachusetts, Hymes struggled, eventually following out with 57 seconds to play.

The Saints have now lost seven of their last eight games, with the only win coming against UAlbany.

You could say this team has played better than a 3-7 team, but they won't get any credit for moral victories and playing well, unless the 'W's start coming.

Fordham coach Tom Pecora talked openly about having short practices so far this year, in hopes his team won't hit the "Freshman Wall."

Pecora has a young team like Siena (actually calling them mirror images following the game).

That's something we've talked about with the Saints, but it bears repeating, especially after a game that was lackluster.

Three of the four freshmen are averaging more than 22 minutes of playing time per game and Hymes is playing more than 33 minutes per contest.

Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro admitted his team might be a little tired, like he's said on a few occassions this year.

Unfortunately for the Saints, it only looks like they have one more player coming, in sophomore Trenity Burdine.

Saints fans have to hope that these players can withstand playing all of these minutes, especailly when Buonaguro has only nine scholarship players (once Burdine returns).

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Monday, December 12, 2011

VIDEO: Former Siena player Alex Franklin

Former Siena forward Alex Franklin returned to the Capital District for the first time since graduating on Monday.

Franklin had just been let go by a professional team in France and is now weighing his options, before making his next move. 

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Fordham 74, Siena 59

ALBANY - That wasn't pretty.

The Siena men's basketball team put up its first real poor performance of the 2011-12 season, losing big to a struggling Fordham team, 74-59, on Monday evening.

The Rams (4-5) led from wire-to-wire and led by as many as 19 points in the victory. Chris Gaston and Devon McMillan each scored 16 points, as all five starters were in double figures for Fordham. 

Kyle Downey scored a game-high 22 points for Siena (3-7) and O.D. Anosike added 18, but there wasn't much offense otherwise.

Fordham set the tone early, making seven 3-pointers in the first half and finishing 15-for-28 (53.6%) from the field. 

The Saints next play on Wednesday, Dec. 22, against Princeton.

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Fordham 42, Siena 29 (half)

ALBANY - Siena is trailing by double-digits and should be.

Fordham isn't following the scouting report, at least from Siena's perspective. The Rams only average 59 points per game and shoot just 23 percent from beyond the arc on the year.

In the first half, the Rams knocked down seven 3-pointers, shooting 7-for-11.

The Saints are doing much offensively and haven't really gotten into a roll. Meanwhile, their full-court press hasn't really caused any issues for Fordham.

O.D. Anosike has 11 points and Kyle Downey added 10, but Siena got little of anything else offensively.

Fordham got 12 points from Branden Frazier and nine from Bryan Smith.

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UAlbany's Suero earns AE Player of Week honor

J.S. Carras/The Record
University at Albany junior guard Gerardo Suero has been voted America East Player of the Week, for the second time this season.

Suero averaged 20.5 points last week, in games against Siena and Colgate.

Suero is third in the league in points scored, trailing only Boston University's Darryl Partin (22.7) and Maine's Gerald McLemore (22.0).

Suero is 17th nationally in scoring and one of just 25 players nationwide, averaging at least 20.0 points per game. 

Suero is also sixth best in the conference in field goal percentage, shooting 51.6 percent (56-108) from the field.

The Great Danes are off this week, during final exams and get back to the floor on Satutday, against Cornell.

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GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Fordham

Mike McMahon/The Record
Siena is the favorite over an Atlantic-10 team, at home, Monday evening.

While the Saints have been playing much better of late and have been competitive in all but one game, that statement is more about how Fordham is playing poorly.

The Rams have lost their last two games (to Manhattan and Monmouth) by a combined 49 points. Fordham is 0-4 on the road this season and averaging just 59 points per game.

The Rams also are shooting just 37 percent from the floor (331st in country).

Here is a link to my preview in today's paper.

Siena hoping to take down A-10 opponent - The Record

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Friday, December 9, 2011

VIDEO: Siena's Evan Hymes huge block

Siena freshman point guard Evan Hymes leaps out of the gym to block this shot.

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VIDEO: Siena/UMass postgame

Here is the postgame reaction from Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro, O.D. Anosike and Kyle Downey

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UMass 82, Siena 78

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Siena men's basketball team played well on Friday evening, the University of Massachusetts was just a little bit better.

The Saints had an 11-point lead in the second half, but the Minutemen had enough down the stretch.

Led by Chaz Williams' driving ability, UMass got the lead and held on down the stretch.

The Saints (3-6) got a game-high 23 points from Kyle Downey. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Downey and Owen Wignot put Siena up 49-38, with 16:45 to play in the game.

Williams, who finished with 22 points, 20 of which came in the second half, put the Minutemen (8-3) on his back down the stretch.

O.D. Anosike registered his fifth-straight double-double, with 22 points and 14 rebounds,  but missed a potential game-tying free throw 25 seconds to play.

Evan Hymes added 16 points and seven assists, while turning the ball over just once against UMass' full-court pressure defense.

Siena is back on the homecourt, on Monday, when they host Fordham.

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SIena 41, UMass 35 (half)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Siena is playing a very good game right now.

They are slicing up the UMass defense with precision passes and that's why they have a 41-35 halftime lead at the MassMutual Center.

The Saints are shooting 45.7 percent (16-35) from the floor and has just six turnovers against UMass' fullcourt pressure defense. 

Kyle Downey has 14 points for Siena, to lead all scorers, while O.D. Anosike added 10.

The Minutemen were led by Freddie Riley, who actually kept UMass in the game, with three 3-pointers. Riley has 11 points. 

UMass actually had more turnovers (7) and only outrebounded Siena 24-23 in the first half. On top of that, the Saints have 24 points in the paint.

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GAMEDAY: Siena vs. UMass (Springfield)

Jeff Couch/The Record
Siena takes on the University of Massachusetts, in the birthplace of basketball -- Springfield, Mass., on Friday evening.

That is one of four games that make up the Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase.

Here is Friday's schedule for games at the MassMutual Center.

3 p.m. - Philadelphia U. vs. AIC (Division II)

5 p.m. - Springfield vs. Trinity (Division III)

7 p,m. - Siena vs. UMass

9 p.m. - Fairfield vs. Old Dominion

This venue is the new home of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships, from 2012-14. This game could give Siena an advantage of playing a game on the court that they will be on in March.


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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Former Siena star Edwin Ubiles headed to Golden State

Former Siena star Edwin Ubiles is getting closer to realizing a childhood dream.
Record File Photo

On Thursday, Ubiles was called up from his team, in the developmental league and will report to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

Ubiles was playing for the Bismarck Wizards, in the NBDL, averaging 16 points and 7.3 rebounds in a team-high 37 minutes per game.

WFYR's Joey Whelan quoted Ubiles as saying: "I felt like I was talented enough to come here, play well and hopefully get a call-up as soon as possible. Now that the lockout is over, I started off the season playing well and now I've got my opportunity."

Ubiles played for his native Puerto Rico at the Pan American Games in Mexico this fall, winning a gold medal. .

Ubiles finished his career, third all-time in Siena school history, with 1,939 points and sixth in points per game (14.8). He helped Siena win three MAAC titles and earn two NCAA tournament victories. Following his senior season with the Saints, Ubiles learned of a stress fracture in his right shin, which kept him out of action for nearly a year.

No Siena player has ever appeared in a NBA game. Most recently, Ubiles' former teammate, Kenny Hasbrouck, was on the Miami Heat roster, back in 2010.

Mike McMahon/The Record

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

VIDEO: UAlbany/Colgate postgame

Below is UAlbany coach Will Brown, talking about his team's 87-63 victory over Colgate, on Wednesday.



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UAlbany 87, Colgate 63

ALBANY - There was no fold in the University at Albany on this night.

Colgate did cut the score to 10, 69-59, but a Logan Aronhalt jumper and another basket pushed the lead up and the Great Danes won comfortably.

Gerardo Suero led the way with 29 points and the Great Danes (5-4) shot 65.5 percent (36-55) for the game. 

Mike Black and Logan Aronhalt added 16 points apiece for UAlbany.

The Raiders were led by Pat Moore, who finished with 18 points and Mitch Rolls finished with 16.

The 87 points are a season-high for UAlbany, which next plays at Cornell, on Saturday, Dec. 17.

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UAlbany 48, Colgate 35 (half)

ALBANY - The University at Albany is putting up the offense tonight.

But just like Monday night, they've allowed Colgate to hang around.

The Great Danes went up by as many as 19 points, on three different occasions in the first half, but allowed the Raiders to sneak back in.

A bright spot is that Gerardo Suero is much more involved offensively. Suero has a game-high 19 points so far.

The UAlbany team started 17-for-21 (81 percent) from the floor and they were hitting everything in sight. 

Logan Aronhalt, who has 10 points, is also shooting much better than he did Monday.

Colgate is led by Pat Moore, who has 10 points and Mitch Rolls, who has nine.

The Great Danes are on pace to set a season-high for scoring. They scored 85, earlier in the year against Monmouth.

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GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. Colgate

J.S. Carras/The Record
This is a very important game for UAlbany.

They must bounce back from the disappointing loss to Siena on Monday and handle their business at home, where they are 2-0 this season.

They will certainly be the more talented team on the floor Wednesday evening, at least on paper. They must come out and play hard.

Gerardo Suero (right) needs to continue attacking the glass and someone needs to put out an APB on Luke Devlin.

The Great Danes need their all-rookie selection to turn things around. Devlin has really only had one real solid game and that was the home-opener against Navy.

Here is a link to a short game advance that ran in Wednesday's paper.

Great Danes look to bounce back vs. Colgate - The Record

COLGATE AT UALBANY
When: Tonight 7 p.m.
Where: SEFCU Arena, Albany
TV: Time Warner-3 (Rodger Wyland, John Quattrocchi)
Radio: WOFX 980-AM (Zach Bye)
Records: Colgate (3-4). UAlbany (4-4). 
Last Meeting: UAlbany 63, Colgate 61 at Cotterell Court, Hamilton on Dec. 22, 2010 — Colgate leads the all-time series 13-3.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
COLGATE
No/Name     Pos.    Yr.     Ht.     Ppg.
2    Mitch Rolls    G    Jr.     6-0    9.7
12    Mike Venezia    G    Sr.    6-1    11.3
21    Sterling Melville    F     Sr.    6-4    9.1
5    Pat Moore     G    So.    6-5    11.6
1    Nick Pascale     C    Sr.     6-10     6.6
UALBANY
No/Name    Pos.    Yr.     Ht.    Ppg.
10    Mike Black    G    Jr.    6-0    10.6
2    Logan Aronhalt    G     Jr.     6-3    14.8
20    Gerardo Suero    G     Jr.    6-4    19.9 
11    Luke Devlin    F    So.     6-8    3.5 
21    Blake Metcalf    F    Jr.    6-9    3.9

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Evan Hymes continues to lead Saints

LOUDONVILLE - Evan Hymes continues to impress for the Siena Saints.

The pint-sized point guard tied for game-high honors, with 21 points and finished 5-for-6 from beyond the arc, in the 64-60 victory over the University at Albany, on Monday.

"Without him, we're not in the game," Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro said, on Tuesday, during his weekly media gathering.

Hymes scored 19 points in the first half, keeping the Saints in it, after they fell behind 31-12. He hit a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining that banked in off the backboard and cut the deficit to eight.

J.S. Carras/The Record

Hymes is Siena's leading scorer through eight games, averaging 14.9 points per game.

It's an incredible story, for a player who didn't have really any other interest out of high school and who had the starting role thrown into his lap, following the season-ending injury to sophomore Rakeem Brookins.

"He's right in the middle of all our wins," Buonaguro said. "Is it surprising? Yeah. But I do think he can score."

Buonaguro gave credit to assistant coach Craig Carter, who did most of the recruiting of Hymes, who is from Durham, N.C., but spent time growing up in Clifton Park.

"I did see that he could score," said Buonaguro, about watching tape of Hymes during the recruitment process.

Hymes also broke his leg during his junior year of high school, which may have lost him some attention.

"I think that scared a lot of people of," Buonaguro said.

Buonaguro said that Hymes' fearlessness and drive reminds him a lot about Brookins, who stepped right in last year as a freshman and took the leadership role of the team.

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VIDEO: Coach Buonaguro pumped up

From the SienaSaintsBlog, great video of Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro getting very excited about the 64-60 victory over UAlbany.



Here are highlights, thanks to the Siena Athletic Department.

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Painful setback for UAlbany

ALBANY - The pain of losing any game is tremendous.

When you lose a game, many thought you would win and to your biggest rival, it stings even more.

You could tell that's exactly how the University at Albany players felt on Monday night, letting a huge lead disappear, in a 64-60 Siena victory.

"It was one of the most frustrating games of my career," said junior guard Logan Aronhalt, of the locker room scene following the game.

The Great Danes pointed to a lack of aggression in the second half that caused to their demise.

"We were attacking their zone, we were confident," said junior guard Mike Black, of the team's play in the first half.

For some reason, UAlbany just started settling for shots and when they weren't falling, they lost their edge. 

"We just stopped being aggressive and they got every rebound they wanted," Aronhalt said.

Aronhalt and Black and leading scorer Gerardo Suero combined to shot just 17-for-43 (39.5 percent) and only attempted five free throws.

Suero, who had been making a killing from the free throw line, attempted just two, as he wasn't rewarded as much as in games past, for drawing contact on the way to the basket.

In the end, it's a crushing loss for the Great Danes, but I think it'll make them work harder.

This could be a case of a team that heard people saying they should win and they started believing it.

I'm sure coach Will Brown will have them back on the floor working hard and getting ready for the Colgate game, which is Wednesday.

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Saints finally get over the hump

ALBANY - Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro has always preached that you can't make up a big deficit at once.

It's something that he learned during his early coaching days, when he was an assistant at Villanova, under Rollie Massimino.

The last few games, the Saints have been tested in coming-from-behind.

On Monday, Siena finally got over the hump, turning back UAlbany 64-60, to reclaim the Albany Cup.

The Saints have been patient, when falling behind, but they showed a lot of poise on Monday, especially for having such a young team.

"I always tell kids that," Buonaguro said. "Two-by-two, good possessions, don't get rattled and the kids responded."

He said that Massimino's teams always came back, using that philosophy and he's preached it every since. 

"I've said that my whole coaching career," Buonaguro said.

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Siena 64, UAlbany 60

ALBANY - The Siena Saints desperately needed a victory.

Losers of five in a row, the Saints would have a taken a win over any team they played. Getting a victory over your rival makes it that much sweeter though.

O.D. Anosike
posted game-highs in points (21) and rebounds (18) , as Siena downed UAlbany 64-60, in front of 8,252 fans, in downtown Albany.

Siena reclaimed the Albany Cup, one year after losing to UAlbany 88-82, in overtime.

The Saints trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half, before staging a terrific comback.

Evan Hymes added 21 points, 19 of which he scored in the first half and Brandon Walters finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Mike Black
led four Great Danes with 18 points, while both Logan Aronhalt and Jayson Guerrier added 13.

UAlbany scored just 23 points in the second half, shooting 9-for-30 (30 percent) from the field.

The Great Danes (4-4) take on Colgate on Wednesday, while the Saints (3-5) play UMass, on Friday evening.

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UAlbany 37, Siena 29 (half)

 ALBANY - Evan Hymes continues to impress me, but it was the University at Albany that leads at intermission here in downtown Albany.

Hymes banked a 3-pointer home with two seconds to play, to finish the first half with 19 points and 7-for-9 shooting.

Hymes is the Saints' leading scorer (14.0 ppg), but wouldn't have started the season at point guard, if not for the injury to Rakeem Brookins, who is on the bench for the first time this season. Brookins is out for the year, due to a back injury. 

Siena raced out to an early lead, but UAlbany came back thundering, taking a 31-12 lead, following a 3-pointer from Jayson Guerrier.

The Saints came back, thanks to Hymes, who is the only Siena player who can get his own shot.

Mike Black has 13 points to lead UAlbany, while Guerrier has 10.

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GAMEDAY: UAlbany vs. Siena

Record File Photo
This game is always fun.

I've covered this matchup four times and it's been a great game on the court and a great atmosphere off of it.

Both schools really come out to support their teams.

I'll be interested to see if the game moving to Monday night, hurts attendance.

The game has normally been played on Saturday, but Siena had to play a second Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game this weekend and so the game was moved.

UAlbany certainly has the more talented team, but Siena has owned the rivalry, winning eight of the past ten matchups since the rivalry was renewed in 2001.

I think it will be a closer game than most.
Jeff Couch/The Record

Siena has been close in many of its losses and it wouldn't surprise me if the Saints came out with some extra energy on this night.

Here is a link to the game advance.

Siena, UAlbany to play for Albany Cup - The Record

Here are the scores of the games for the past 10 years.

2010 - UAlbany 88-82 (OT)
2009 - Siena 83-54
2008 - Siena 71-64
2007 - Siena 75-71
2006 - Siena 76-75 (2OT)
2005 - Siena 82-74 (OT)
2004 - UAlbany 86-65
2003 - Siena 71-50
2002 - Siena 79-75
2001 - Siena 60-48

The Record

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Sunday, December 4, 2011

VIDEO: Will Brown talks UAlbany/Siena

University at Albany coach Will Brown talks about the rivalry game between Siena

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VIDEOS: Siena/Loyola (Md.) postgame

Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about the 66-59 loss to Loyola (Md.) on Saturday.



Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos gives his opening remarks. The Greyhounds (2-0, 6-1) are off to the best start in the 30 years as a Division I program.

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

VIDEO: Siena vs. Loyola (Md.) highlights

Below are highlights from Saturday night's Siena/Loyola (Md.), courtesy of the Siena Athletics Department.

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Loyola 66, Siena 59

ALBANY - Siena dropped its fifth straight game on Saturday night, but it wasn't for lack of effort.

The Saints fell behind by double-digits, clawed back and ended up on the short end of the stick against a very talented Loyola team.

Evan Hymes scored a team-high 21 points and O.D. Anosike added 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Saints (0-2, 2-5). 

Dylon Cormier scored a career-high 22 points and knocked down five 3-pointers for the Greyhounds (2-0, 6-2), who are off to their best starting in their Division I history.

Siena turned the ball over 20 times, as Loyola had 19 steals.

The Saints cut the lead to six on four different occasions, in the second half, but couldn't get over the hump.

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Loyola (Md.) 30, Siena 19 (half)

ALBANY - The Siena men's basketball team fell behind early again and had a tough time offensively in the first half.

The Saints have now been held to fewer than 20 points in the first half of both conference games so far this year.

Dylon Cormier was on fire for the Greyhounds. Cormier hit four 3-pointers and had a 3-point play to finish the first 20 minutes with 15 points. Cormier hit four of the team's six 3-pointers in the first half.

It looked like the Saints would be left for dead, but the Greyhounds went the final four minutes, without scoring.  

O.D. Anosike leads Siena with six points and eight rebounds.

Siena needs to pick things up offensively or this will be a long second half and and 0-2 start to the league season.

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MAAC GAMEDAY: Siena vs. Loyola (Md.)

J.S. Carras/The Record
Siena has a difficult task ahead of them on Saturday evening.

Loyola (Md.) has won five games in a row and is off to one of the best starts in the school's 30-year Division I history.

The Saints are hoping to get back senior Owen Wignot, who has missed five consecutive games, due to a head injury suffered against Navy. (Wignot was injured on the play to the left, when he collided with Navy's James Loupos)

The Saints certainly don't want to fall to 0-2 in league play.

Below is a capsule for the game, which will also be televised on Time Warner-3.

Loyola (Md) at Siena
When: Tonight 7 p.m.
Where: Times Union Center (8,444), Albany
TV: Time Warner-3 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Andrew Catalon, Andy Grazulis)
Records: Siena (0-1 MAAC, 2-4 overall. Loyola (1-0 MAAC, 5-1 overall)
Last Meeting: Loyola 76, Siena 69 at Times Union Center. Albany, on Feb. 7, 2011 — Siena leads the all-time series 37-14
About the Greyhounds: Loyola has matched its best start in the program’s Division I history, which began in 1981-82 season. The Greyhounds have also won five games in a row, since losing their season opener, Nov. 11, at Wake Forest. Loyola was picked to finish third in the MAAC preseason poll.
About the Saints: The Saints lead the conference in scoring defense, allowing just 60 points per game. The 44 points that Siena scored in two of its last three games, is the lowest total since the 1997 MAAC tournament. The Saints last five-game losing streak came during the 2004-05 season. 
 
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
LOYOLA (MD)
No        Name     Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
12        R.J. Williams    G     Fr.     5-8     4.0
3         Dylon Cormier    G    So.    6-2    16.3
25        Robert Olson     G    Jr.    6-4    7.2
24         Erik Etherly     F     Jr.    6-7    15.5
5         Shane Walker    F    Sr.    6-10     12.5
SIENA
No        Name     Pos.    Yr.    Ht.    Ppg.
5        Evan Hymes    G     Fr.    5-8    12.8
24        Davonte Beard     G     Fr.     6-2    6.5
3        Kyle Downey    G    Sr.    6-2    11.3
1        O. D. Anosike    F     Jr.    6-8    9.7
0        Brandon Walters     C    Sr.    6-8    8.2

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Friday, December 2, 2011

VIDEO: Siena's O.D. Anosike talks Loyola

Junior forward O.D. Anosike talks about the upcoming game against Loyola (Md.).

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Siena's Rob Poole making strides

LOUDONVILLE - Before Thursday's conference-opening game against Saint Peter's, Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro told freshman Rob Poole to stop thinking and start shooting.

Poole responded with his best game to date for the Saints, scoring 11 points on 3-for-6 shooting and also grabbing three rebounds in the 51-44 loss.

Impressively, Poole played 25 minutes, considering he had been dealing with a sinus infection all week.

“I thought he couldn’t have played better,” said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. “He played really well."

Poole said he hopes that he can contribute like that for the remainder of the year.

“I feel I can do that every game if my shot is good,” Poole said.

Interestingly, Poole thought he may have played better because the size of the gym was smaller and there weren't too many fans in the stands.

“I think that’s why I felt so comfortable out there playing,” he said.

Poole said his father and uncle came up from the Philadelphia area for the game.

Poole just hopes he can continue making progress and have more games like Thursday evening.

“Hopefully I can do that through the rest of the season to help this team win,” Poole said.

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Siena drops MAAC opener to Saint Peter's

The Siena Saints dropped their MAAC opener 51-44 to Saint Peter's on Thursday evening.

Below are postgame highlights and reaction from the Saints, courtesy of the Siena Athletic Department.



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MAAC Gameday: Siena at Saint Peter's

Jeff Couch/The Record
We arrive are December 1, and conference play is here for Siena.

The Saints hit the road for their first league game, taking on the defending champions from Saint Peter's. 

Here are some links to get ready for the game. 


Below is a game capsule.
SIENA at SAINT PETER'S
When: Tonight 7 p.m.
Where: Yanitelli Center (3,200), Jersey City, N.J.
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
Records: Siena (0-0 MAAC, 2-3 overall. Saint Peter’s (0-0 MAAC, 1-4 overall)
Last Meeting: Saint Peter’s 67, Siena 57, at Times Union Center. Albany, on Feb. 16, 2011 - Saint Peter’s leads the all-time series 40-36
About the Saints: Siena has lost its last three games, being outrebounded in each game. Senior Owen Wignot will not play this evening, missing his fifth consecutive game, due to a head injury. The Saints’ four freshmen have accounted for 48 percent of the team’s offensive output.  
About the Peacocks: Saint Peter’s is the defending MAAC champion. The Peacocks are coached by former Siena assistant John Dunne. Saint Peter’s leading scorer, Chris Prescott, is a transfer from Saint Joseph’s. The Peacocks lost their top five scorers from last year, which accounted for nearly 85 percent of their offense.   
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SIENA
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 14.2
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 12.4
33, Rob Poole, F, Fr., 6-5, 5.8
1, O.D. Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 9.2
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 8.4
SAINT PETER’S
No./Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Ppg.
52, Brandon Hall, G, Sr., 6-1, 2.6  
12, Chris Prescott, G, Jr., 6-2, 14.6
2, Yvon Raymond, G, Jr., 6-3, 11.6 
22, Chris Burke, G, So., 6-4, 2.0
42, Darius Conley, F, Jr., 6-7, 12.0

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