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. 

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.

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.

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