Canisius Rolls Siena Behind Stifling Defense

Maybe it’s just the Times Union Center that doesn’t like Canisius.  In a rematch from earlier last week, Canisius did not look like the same team that was beat at the buzzer by Rakeem Brookins and the Siena Saints. The Golden Griffins controlled every aspect of play from the opening tip and used a 23-point halftime cushion to cruise past the Saints 76-44 Saturday afternoon in front of 2,001 at the Koessler Center. “We did a much better job of defending the inside as well as the guards,” said Canisius head coach Jim Baron.  “Our guys really shared the basketball and we rebounded.” Canisius controlled the glass on both ends of the floor and were led by the outstanding play inside by junior forward Chris Manhertz who scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds- eight offensive, in just 21 minutes of action. Baron had the luxury of playing his bench most of the second half in part because the first unit opened up such a large advantage on Siena.  The Griffs had 21 bench points compared to ...