Niagara nips Siena 58-54 on Tanksley's 24

LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) Ameen Tanksley scored a career-high 24 points and combined with Juan'ya Green for 40 points in Niagara's 58-54 win over Siena Thursday night in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Purple Eagles (10-16, 5-9) led by just 28-26, at intermission and outscored Siena (10-14, 5-9) by just two points in the second half. But a decisive edge in 3-point shooting helped Niagara stave off three Siena players in double figures: Evan Hymes and Owen Wignot with 11 points apiece, Brandon Walters with 10.

The Saints were 5 for 16 on 3-pointers. Tanksley had one more trey by himself, hitting 6 of 9 from beyond the 3-point arc and 8 of 12 field goals overall.

Each team had 19 baskets, Siena going 19 for 52, Niagara 19 for 50. Siena was 11 for 13 on free throws, Niagara 10 of 13. Despite being outrebounded 35-20, Niagara outscored Siena 21-11 on fast-break points.

Updated February 9, 2012