SU and Siena Renew Acquaintances Saturday
12/19/2003 10:43:52 AM | Men's Basketball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The #19/21 Orangemen (4-1) will revive their series with Siena (3-4) when they host the Saints on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4:00 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
The two teams haven’t met in 15 years, but Syracuse has had two of the most impressive offensive performances in school history against the Saints. In the most recent pairing on Jan. 2, 1988, the Orangemen defeated Siena 123-72. It was the sixth-most points ever scored by an SU squad. Ten Orangemen found the scoring column, including Rony Seikaly, who was 13-of-18 from the field and finished with a game-high 30 points.
In 1979, Syracuse notched a school record 144 points in a 144-92 win against Siena. Eight SU players scored in double figures. Hal Cohen led the way with 25 points and Dale Shackleford and Rick Harmon each had 17.
Syracuse has won all four previous encounters with the Saints.
The 2003-04 Orangemen have won their last four games and defeated Manhattan, 69-63, in their most recent contest on Dec. 17. Sophomore Billy Edelin paced SU with 17 points, including 14 in the second half as the Orangemen overcame a 42-34 halftime deficit. Sophomore Gerry McNamara added 16 points. McNamara hit two three’s in the game, moving him past Lucious Jackson for 10th on SU’s all-time three-point field goals made chart with 99. Junior Hakim Warrick tallied 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to record his first double-double of the year and the 15th of his career.
Syracuse has three players averaging in the double figures. Warrick leads the team with 19.6 points per game, McNamara is scoring 17.0 points per outing and Edelin is at 14.2. The Orange defense has forced an average of 15 turnovers per game and has recorded 47 steals. After allowing 13 three-pointers against Charlotte in the season-opener, Syracuse has given up only 15 triples in its last four games. Opponents are shooting 25% from beyond the arc (28-112).
Rob Lanier is in his third season at the helm of the Siena basketball program. He guided the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2002 and an NIT bid last year. He brings the 2003-04 Saints into the Dome with 3-4 overall record and an 0-2 mark in conference play. After starting the campaign with three wins, the Saints have lost their last four contests, including a 95-71 loss to Toledo in their most recent outing on Dec. 10.
Michael Haddix is the team’s leading scorer at 15.4 points per game and has been Siena’s top point producer in three of Saints’ seven contests. He is also the squad’s best rebounder at 9.1 boards per game. Tommy Mitchell is the club’s second-leading scorer at 13.0 points per outing.
The Saints have outrebounded their opponents 327-258 and are averaging 46.7 rebounds per game. Fans can listen to the game on the SU Radio Network. The pre-game show will begin 30 minutes prior to tip off. Fans can also listen to the contest live via the Internet at www.suathletics.com.
Carrier Dome Gates A, B, C & E will open 90 minutes prior to the contest and before all home basketball games in December. All gates will open 90 minutes before home games beginning in January.
