Tuesday, November 13th, 9:30 p.m. (et)

GAME NOTES: The Siena Saints will once again attempt to win their first game of the season, as they take on the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the consolation round of the NIT Season Tip-Off tonight. The East Regional of this tournament got underway last night with the Saints dropping a 97-89 decision to host Syracuse. Siena, which opened its season with a 100-88 loss at James Madison on Friday, is now 0-8 all-time versus Syracuse. As for FDU, it took on Saint Joseph's in the late game on Monday, dropping an 88-66 decision. It was certainly a dismal performance from the Knights, who return just two starters from last year's club that finished only 14-16 overall. In terms of the all- time series, FDU owns a 12-5 advantage against Siena, but the Saints won the last meeting, 87-79, during the 1998-99 season.

For the second straight game, the Saints showed the inability to slow down their opponent, allowing Syracuse to shoot 58.6 percent from the field in a 97-89 loss on Monday. In the team's season-opener, Siena watched James Madison shoot an even better 64.9 percent from the floor. On a positive note, the Saints have made 44.0 percent of their field goal tries in both contests and that isn't too bad. Kenny Hasbrouck guided the team in defeat last night with 24 points and an impressive seven steals. It was quite an effort by Hasbrouck, who tallied 19 points in the team's opener. Edwin Ubiles, who poured in a career-high 27 points in the opener, added 20 points and eight rebounds in last night's loss. Ronald Moore even notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists, and that was a solid follow up from his 19-point effort against James Madison.

Much like their opponent in this game, the Knights didn't offer much in terms of defense last night, as they allowed Saint Joseph's to shoot a blistering 62.3 percent from the floor in a 22-point loss. FDU itself, connected on a modest 41.1 percent of its field goal tries, but the team did most of its damage from behind the arc, where it went 12-of-26 for the game. Bernell Murray led the Knights with 18 points and he made good on 4-of-6 three pointers. It was a solid start to the season for Murray, who averaged a mere 3.7 ppg a year ago. Sean Baptiste tallied 16 points in the loss, while Manny Ubilla posted 14 points and seven assists. Ubilla is one o the team's top returning players, as he turned in 11.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg a year ago.

The Saints have lacked defensive intensity this season, but they have shown they can score a good amount of points. Siena appears to be the better team here and it should be able to get past FDU in a shootout tonight.

Predicted Outcome

Siena 88, Fairleigh Dickinson 78