Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about his team's 66-53 victory over Saint Peter's on Sunday afternoon.

J.S. Carras - The Record

ALBANY - Rich Audu didn't start on Sunday, but the Siena freshman didn't let that affect him.

Audu had only averaged 10.4 minutes per game this season, but he played nearly four times that number in the Saints' 66-53 victory over Saint Peter's.

With four minutes remaining and Siena's lead cut to four, 51-47, Audu nailed back-to-back 3-pointers that put the game out of reach.

“Those three's were big," said sophomore Rakeem Brookins. They were tremendous.”

Audu started in place of Rob Poole (flu) on Friday night, but then saw a majority of the minutes go to fellow freshman Ryan Oliver. 

On Sunday, Oliver started, but came out after only one minute, due to a knee sprain and Audu stepped in. 

“I thought it took a while to get going, but he had a very good second half," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro. 

Audu had only played 156 minutes all season, but he played 39 on Sunday and every one was needed as the Saints' bench was small. 

“You have to remind yourself what your here for every day and you just have to maintain a love and a passion for this game because you're going to go through good times and you're going to go through bad times," he said. "But you have to stay even-keeled and level-headed.”

Audu is playing with a tape on the thumb of his right hand, which he injured about a week ago in practice, when he was falling.

“He's a shooting guard and that's what the whole community needs to see," Brookins said. "I'm happy he came in and shot the ball with confidence.”  

 Even after 39 minutes of game action, Audu didn't look like he had broken a sweat.

“I'm a little tired," said Audu smiling. "Our trainer DT (Dan Taylor) did a good job conditioning us before the season."

ALBANY - The Siena men's basketball team is on a roll.

The Saints (2-4, 4-13) picked up their second win in 72 hours, when they took down Saint Peter's, 66-53, on Sunday afternoon.

O.D. Anosike led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Rakeem Brookins chipped in 18.

Siena won the game at the foul line, where they shot 27-for-36 (75%), led by Anosike, who was 12-for-17.

Desi Washington's 16 points led the Peacocks (1-5, 6-10). 

ALBANY - The Siena men's basketball team let one slip away on Friday evening.

Up 16 points in the first half, the Saints scored just 12 points in the game's final 11 minutes, falling 63-58 to Saint Peter's.

The Peacocks (4-8, 5-18) swept the Saints (5-7, 10-12) this season and have now took all four meetings from the past two seasons.

The last team to sweep Siena two years in a row was when Marist did so three years in a row, from 2004-07.

OD Anosike's stretch of 17 consecutive double-doubles ended, as he finished with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Darius Conley led four Saint Peter's players in double figures with 15 points.

The Peacocks went on an 18-3 run over an eight-minute span to take the lead for good. Saint Peter's scored 44 points in the second half and shot an incredible 63.6 percent (14-22) from the field.

The Saints head back out on the road on Sunday, when they take on Fairfield, at 3:30 p.m.

ALBANY - Siena jumped out in control of this game. The question looks to be can they hold on.

Kyle Downey was like a man possessed, scoring 13 points and knocking down five shots early.

The Saints got up by as many as 16 points, 25-9, after OD Anosike's only basket of the half. 

Yvon Raymond lead the Peacocks with six points. 

Anosike grabbed seven rebounds in the first half, but he only scored three points. His streak of 17 consecutive double-doubles could be in jeopardy.

J.S. Carras/The Record

This is setting up as a game that many people are viewing as what should be a Siena victory.

The Saints are 8-3 at home, have won six straight in Albany and 8-0 at home when scoring more than 60 points.

Siena will also be hosting its 3rd Gold Rush game (they are 2-0) and are expecting a big crowd.

Still, don't sleep on the Peacocks who play a slow, grind it out style that can win them any game if it's close.

“What we have to do is make shots and we have to execute," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro, before Thursday's practice.

The Saints have had all week to get ready and they know this is a game they need to have go their way.

SIENA VS. SAINT PETER’S

When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Times Union Center (8,444), Albany 
TV: Time Warner-3 (Robert Lee, Tom Huerter)
Radio: TALK 1300-AM (Mike Demos, Andy Grazulis)
2011-12 Records: Saint Peter’s (3-8, 4-18) Siena (5-6, 10-11) 
Last Meeting: Saint Peter’s 51, Siena 44 at Yanitelli Center, Jersey City, N.J., on Dec. 1, 2011 — Siena leads the all-time series 41-36

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
SAINT PETER’S

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.
32, Lamin Fulton, G, Fr., 5-9, 9.2
12, Chris Prescott, G, Jr., 6-2, 12.0 
23, Blaise Ffrench, G, Jr., 6-2, 4.2
2, Yvon Raymond, G, Jr., 6-3, 8.1 
42, Darius Conley, F, Jr., 6-7, 11.1 

SIENA

No., Name, Pos., Yr., Ht., Avg.   
5, Evan Hymes, G, Fr., 5-8, 13.4
3, Kyle Downey, G, Sr., 6-2, 10.5
31, Owen Wignot, F, Sr., 6-6, 6.6
1, OD Anosike, F, Jr., 6-8, 17.3
0, Brandon Walters, C, Sr., 6-8, 6.7

MAAC STANDINGS

School, Conference, Overall
Iona, 10-2, 18-5
Manhattan, 10-2, 17-7
Loyola (Md), 9-2, 16-5
Farifield, 6-4, 11-10
Rider, 6-5, 9-14
Siena, 5-6, 10-11
Niagara, 4-7, 9-14
Saint Peter’s, 3-8, 4-18
Marist, 2-9, 7-15
Canisius, 1-11, 4-18

Thursday’s Scores

Iona 105, Canisius86
Manhattan 73, Marist 51

Today’s Games

Saint Peter’s at Siena, 7 p.m.
Rider at Loyola (ESPNU), 7 p.m.
Niagara at Fairfield, 7:30 p.m.

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.

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.

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. 

Siena, St. Peter's in a similar situation - relying on plenty of new faces - The Record

Siena set to open MAAC play at Saint Peter's - 104.5 ESPN Radio

Seton Hall slips past undermanned St. Peter's - NJ.com

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

Jeff Couch/The Record

LOUDONVILLE - Owen Wignot was back on the practice floor on Wednesday.

The Siena senior forward hadn't even really ran, since suffering a head injury, in the season-opener against Navy.

Wignot (right) said he is really just suffering from some slight inner ear discomfort and that he's been out, primarily for precautionary reasons.

“I just have to be patient and hopefully that’s for the better,” Wignot said.

The Saints would like to have him back, as the open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play, against Saint Peter's on Thursday, but Saturday's home game against Loyola (Md.), is more likely.

"It's day-to-day, but I think he's almost ready," said Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro.

Mike McMahon/The Record

Wignot says he's been speaking with Cory Magee (left), about the head injuries.

“He’s been helping me out,” Wignot said.

Magee had his career cut short, after taking an elbow to the head in practice and never fully recovering.

While Magee had a concussion and Wignot does not, there is some similarities, especially with the equilibrium issues in the inner ear.

 “I’m just happy he’s there for me,” Wignot said. “He’s being a good friend."

Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro talks about his team's 67-57 loss to Saint Peter's on Wednesday evening.

ALBANY - The Siena Saints have seen this script before.

They had a six-point lead in the second half, but it wasn't enough as they went ice cold down the stretch and dropped their fourth straight conference game.

The Peacocks used an 18-4 run midway though the half to take the lead for good.

Siena scored just 10 points in the final 7:51.

The Saints were led by Ryan Rossiter, who finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Clarence Jackson added 13 points.

Saint Peter's was led by Jeron Belin, who scored 19 points off the bench and also grabbed seven rebounds.

The Saints (7-9, 10-16) didn't lose any ground because Loyola (Md.) and Canisius both lost Wednesday night.

ALBANY - A pretty even first half.

Saint Peter's went up by nine, 27-18, about three-quarters through the half.

Siena fought back and two free throws from Ryan Rossiter with four tenths of a second to play cut the lead to one at intermission.

The Saints haven't lost four MAAC games since the 2004-05 season.

The Peacocks are 11-2 so far this season, when they have a halftime lead.

Rossiter finished the half with nine points and six rebounds, well on the way to another double-double.

Nick Leon has a game-high 11 points for Saint Peter's.

Rakeem Brookins started for the Saints, after missing two straight games, because of a rib injury suffered against Loyola (Md.).

The Saints made 11 free throws and put the Peacocks in foul trouble early, something to watch out for as Ryan Bacon has two fouls and Darius Conley has three.

According to Adam Zagoria, one of the MAAC's top teams has taken a hit.

Zagoria reported yesterday afternoon that Saint Peter's Wesley Jenkins has a possible ACL tear and was supposed to have a MRI on Tuesday.

Jenkins was the Peacocks leading scorer last season at 13.8 points per game.

Saint Peter's still has a number of returning players and UTEP transfer Blaise Ffrench.

ALBANY - While Saint Peter's came on strong in the second half, Rider hung on to win the New Jersey section of the MAAC bracket, 69-57 and advance to Sunday's semifinal.

Ryan Thompson led the way for the Broncs with 22 points, while Ryan Bacon scored a game-high 24 for the Peacocks.

Rider will meet the winner of the Siena/Manhattan game tomorrow at 4 p.m. on MSG.

ALBANY - This looks like the Rider team we expected to see all of this season.

The Broncs thoroughly dominated the first half at both ends of the court.

Saint Peter's had a terrible time early, scoring just three points in the first 10 minutes, when they shot 1-for-11 from the field.

The Peacocks have already committed 16 turnovers, almost as many as point scored.

The game was slightly delayed after a fan fell down on the sideline and had to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher.

ALBANY - Canisius takes down Saint Peter's in the second play-in game today in downtown Albany.

The No. 9 seed Golden Griffins will take on top-seeded Marist Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Thanks to losses last night from Northeastern and BYU, Siena College currently holds the longest winning streak in the nation at 11 games.

Here's the current list.

11, Siena
10, Morehead State
10, Murray State
10, Vanderbilt
10, Villanova
9, Michigan St.
9, Oakland
8, Butler
8, Gonzaga
8, Jacksonville

The Saints put their winning streak on the line tonight at Saint Peter's.

It wasn't pretty in the first half, but Siena holds a two-point lead at the break.

Davis Martens played his first action for Siena and scored one point.

Edwin Ubiles has eight points to lead the Saints, while Nick Leon has nine points for the Peacocks.

Both coaches seem to be none to happy with the officiating.

*****

Siena pulled away in the second half to win their 27th consecutive home victory and the program's 200th MAAC win.

ALBANY - Saint Peter's is playing without leading scorer Wesley Jenkins due to a mild concussion.

Jenkins had started all 12 games for the Peacocks and is averaging 14.0 points per game.

Still, Saint Peter's started off well and the score right now is Siena 14, Saint Peter's 12.