Swarming defense helps Manhattan beat Siena 72-61

Jan 14, 2018, 02:32 am

RIVERDALE, N.Y. -- Rich Williams scored 21 points and his 1,000th career point, Zavier Turner added 13 points, and Manhattan pulled away late to beat Siena 72-61 on Saturday night.

Pauly Paulicap scored 12 points, including the go-ahead layup with 8:28 to play, and Aaron Walker Jr. added 10 for the Jaspers (9-9, 4-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference).

Manhattan led 30-26 at halftime after using a swarming defense to hold Siena to just 7 of 17 from the floor and force 13 turnovers. The Saints stayed close by making 12 free throws and rallied in the second half.

Kadeem Smithen and Jordan Horn hit 3s and Siena closed to 34-32, tied it at 36 on Horn's layup, then led 39-36 on his 3 with 15:02 to go. The teams traded baskets until Paulicap's go-ahead layup made it 51-49 and the Jaspers pulled away before finishing on a 14-4 run.

Horn scored 19 points, Prince Oduro added 13, and Smithen had 11 for the Saints (5-14, 1-5), who turned it over 25 times.