Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) -- The Canisius Golden Griffins split their season series with the Siena Saints, thanks to a 76-44 win at Koessler Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon. The Griffs exacted revenge for their 57-54 loss to Siena in Albany just over a week ago.
Canisius shot nearly fifty percent from the field in the opening half, converting 18-37 (48.6%) field goals, and connecting on 6 three-pointers on 16 tries (37.5%). Isaac Sosa was one of four different Griffs to hit a three pointer in the opening half. The guard went 3-8 from behind the arc to lead the team, and his 13 first half points led the team as well. Billy Baron added 7 points and 4 assists in the first, as well.
Siena shot just 28% (7-25) from the field in the first twenty minutes, and did not hit a three point opportunity (0-3) in the half either. The Saints did, however, convert all five free throw attempts. Canisius was 0-1 from the line in the first. The Griffs went up by as many as 23 points twice late in the first half. The home team was up 39-16 with just under two minutes to go in the half, and went to the locker room with a 42-19 lead also. Canisius outrebounded the Saints 21-17 in the first, including an 11-8 edge on the offensive boards.
Canisius did not let up in the second half, outscoring the Saints 34-25 in the final twenty minutes. Chris Manhertz finished the afternoon with a double-double, thanks to 12 points and 11 rebounds over 21 minutes of play. The junior pulled down a team best 8 offensive rebounds in the win. Jordan Heath also added 5 offensive boards, and 6 rebounds overall to go with 11 points in 27 minutes. The biggest lead of the game came with 6:20 to play. The Griffs held a 34-point edge, 66-32. It was the largest lead of the season for the team. The 32-point victory tied the largest MAAC conference with for the Griffs, equaling the total set on February 9, 1997 against Fairfield.
Siena was forced into 20 turnovers in the game, while the Griffs committed just 4. None of the starters for head coach Jim Baron were credited with a turnover in the game either. On the flip side, Rich Audu led the Saints with 11 points in the losing effort. Forward O.D. Anosike pulled down 9 rebounds and scored 8 points. The 44 point team total for Siena matched the fewest given up by the Griffs at Koessler in the building's history.
Canisius hits the road for a meeting with Rider on Friday night at 7 p.m. The Griffs will follow that up with a home date against rival Niagara next Sunday. The Griffs and Purple Eagles tip at 4 o'clock next Sunday. You can catch all of the action on our sister station, AM-1400 WWWS.
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