ALBANY - Siena started slow, very slow, but they have the lead at halftime.

The Saints opened the game shooting 1-for-7 from the field, but finished the first half strong.

The Purple Eagles jumped out to a double-digit lead, 18-8, after the first 10 minutes.

Siena had a difficult time getting good looks against Niagara zones, but eventually they starting hitting some shots.

The Saints shot just 4-for-14 from beyond the arc, but they hit some big ones, especially two by Kyle Downey, off inbounds plays.

OD Anosike is comfortably on the way to his 11th consecutive double-double, posting 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half.

Antoine Mason, son of former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason, leads Niagara with eight points.

The fact that Siena leads, despite leading scorer Evan Hymes having just two points, is a good sign.

In case you haven't heard or seen, Siena is not showing the New York Giants NFC Wild Card game, due to an NFL decision.