Monday, January 23, 2012

Poole steps up in Saints victory over Iona

ALBANY - Rob Poole stepped to the free throw line, with Siena's upset victory over Iona, hanging in the balance.

The freshman calmly knocked down four free throws in the final 2:28, as the Saints posted an improbable 65-62 win.

Poole had been struggling at the free throw line for the first half of the season, but he's made an adjustment. He's now looking at the rim, instead of following the ball towards the basket.

Poole posted some impressive numbers on Monday, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Saints moved to 7-3 at home this season.

"He played like the kind of recruit that I thought he would be," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. "He was a major impact player today."

Poole was very good in the second half, as he handled the ball and also was able to find his teammates. 

"The defense gave me a lot of open lanes, so I just took advantage of what they gave me," he said.

DOWNEY PLAYS BIG: Kyle Downey hasn't been practicing recently, but that hasn't stopped him from having a terrific season.

In addition to hitting the go-ahead shot and hitting a couple treys, Downey played the entire second half with three fouls.

“He's not a role player," Buonaguro said. "He's a terrific player. You know why he's a terrific player because last summer he went into the gym for three hours a day. This is why he did what he did tonight. He's been the hardest worker of any player we've had at Siena, since I've been here, in seven years.”

ANOSIKE POST ANOTHER DOUBLE-DOUBLE: OD Anosike posted his 15th consecutive double-double, with 17 points and 15 rebounds. 

He only scored one point in the final 13 minutes and yet the Saints were still able to come out with the victory. It was an incredible turnaround from losing by 36 points, just three weeks ago.

“I think this game how much better we've gotten since that game,” Anosike said. 

Anosike played the final six minutes with four fouls and still was a pest on the defensive end.

“When OD gets four fouls, he still plays aggressive and plays hard," Poole said. "Thank god for OD.”

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