Hymes scores 21, Siena knocks off Manhattan 70-64

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Evan Hymes had 21 points and seven assists as Siena defeated Manhattan 70-64 Tuesday night to split the season series.

The Jaspers (18-10, 11-5 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) suffered their third loss in four games after an eight-game winning streak, including 72-53 over the Saints on Jan. 14.

Siena (12-14, 7-9), meanwhile, moved a half-game ahead of Niagara in the MAAC race for sixth place - which carries a first-round tournament bye.

Hymes was 8 of 13 from the field, hitting 5 of 7 from long range, Kyle Downey added 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and OD Anosike scored 14.

The Saints, who led 33-27 at intermission, opened the second half with 19 straight free throws. They finished 22 of 24 from the line after the break to maintain a five-point cushion.

George Beamon's 16 points led Manhattan, which lost starting point guard Michael Alvarado to a first-half injury.

Updated February 14, 2012