ALBANY, N.Y. – The Fairfield University men's basketball team led for most of its game against Siena College before the Saints used a late run to gain the margin needed to edge the Stags by a 69-62 score at MVP Arena this afternoon. For more than 26 minutes of the contest, Fairfield managed to hold a lead against the Saints.
Supreme Cook picked up his second straight double-double with his team co-leading total of 14 points and game-high 11 rebounds this afternoon. His performance followed his 13-point, 14-rebound effort against Marist last Friday.
Jesus Cruz equaled Cook's point total, scoring 14 points off the bench by connecting on six of nine field goal attempts.
Taj Benning also reached double figures with his 13 points and added six rebounds to the cause.
"I thought we competed today and am proud of the effort," Head Coach
Jay Young said. "I though our shot selection was much better today than it was against Marist. It's frustrating not to see the ball go in more, but if we keep taking quality shots, it will. I credit Siena for grinding out a win after not playing in such a long time."
The Stags took the lead early and, despite a few challenges by the Saints during the first half, were able to retain their advantage at intermission. Fairfield secured the lead midway through when
Jake Wojcik netted a three-point field goal to push the score to 14-12 with 10 minutes remaining. The Stags' lead would reach six points twice, the last coming after
Taj Bennings's basket made the score 22-16 with eight minutes remaining. Siena managed to bring the lead to a point by halftime with a 9-4 run.
In the second half, Siena battled back to tie the score at 33 after back-to-back baskets by Jackson Stormo with 14 minutes remaining. Coach Young inserted Cook back into the lineup and he helped Fairfield regain control with a blocked shot that led to a possession which culminated with his own basket. Benning stole the ensuing inbound pass and went to the basket to double the lead to 37-33. Cook picked up a steal in the backcourt which led to another free throw from the forward to push the lead to 38-33.
The home team rallied to take its first lead since the eight minute mark of the first half when Jared Billups scored on a layup at the 8:02 mark. Fairfield tied the score when Cook converted one of two free throws to bring the score to 46-46 just one minute later. A three-point play by Aidan Carpenter recaptured the lead for Siena at 49-46 at the 6:14 mark, a lead which the Saints would not surrender.
The final box score showed Fairfield dominated inside by scoring 38 points in the paint which was aided by the team's 13 points off turnovers. The Stags forced the Saints into 13 turnovers with seven of those coming off steals.
Caleb Green and Allen Jeanne-Rose were responsible for two steals each. Green played all 40 minutes and added six points and six rebounds to his game totals.
The Stags will play their third game in five days when they host Iona College on Tuesday afternoon. The two teams will get together at Webster Bank Arena for a 2 pm tip.
