Women's College Basketball
Siena College 65, Rider University 43
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Game

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—Siena placed four players in double figure scoring in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference victory at Rider Thursday evening, seen on ESPN 3.

The loss was just the second for Rider (7-15, 4-8 MAAC) in the last six games.

“I don't know what it was but we didn't have it tonight, really from the opening seconds,” said headcoach Lynn Milligan.  “It was really a disappointing effort on both ends of the floor.”

Rider had beaten Siena five straight times before Thursday, including a recent 56-49 Bronc victory on January 28 in Loudonville, NY.

"I don't think they did anything different, but their mentality was definitely different than ours tonight," Milligan said.  "Their extended zone clearly put us back on our heels. We were a little bit unsure where we wanted that next pass to go."

Rider forced 21 Saint turnovers but committed 20 themselves.

Siena (13-9, 6-7 MAAC) led by as many as 30 points, 49-19, with 12 minutes left to play.

Siena used a 18-0 run, with six different Saints scoring, to take a 22-7 lead with 7:31 left in the first half, as the Bronc went over 10 minutes without a point.

“We took some uncharacteristic shots,” Milligan said.  “It seemed that we were trying to get it all back with one play and we forced some things.  Siena's defense had a lot to do with that.”

Siena led 35-12 at the half. The 12 point-half was the lowest scoring for the Broncs since scoring 12 points in the second half of a 49-30 loss to Fairfield on February 26, 2012.

For the Broncs, sophomore Robin Perkins (Willingboro/Trenton Catholic) compiled 10 points, three assists, three steals and a pair of rebounds.

Sophomore Stephanie Mason (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) came in off the bench to make three three-pointers, finishing with nine points in 13 minutes of action.

For Siena, freshman guard Kollyns Scarbrough compiled 13 points and five rebounds, freshman forward Margot Hetzke compiled 10 points and seven rebounds and sophomore center Meghan Donohue added 12 points.

Rider travels to first place Quinnipiac Saturday.

“We have to forget about this and turn the page,” Milligan added.  “With the way the schedule is, you almost have to anyway.  We need to figure it out and get back to work for Saturday, which is going to be another tough game.”

-ru-