The Siena men’s basketball team cemented its reputation for high-stakes road performances by defeating the University of Dayton 99-89 on Tuesday night. Playing before a sellout crowd of 13,407 at UD Arena, the Saints delivered a dominant offensive display in head coach Nevada Smith’s third game. This victory adds to a storied legacy of special wins in Dayton, where Siena previously secured NCAA Tournament victories over Alcorn State in 2002 and Ohio State in 2009. While the stakes differed from those tournament upsets, the performance demonstrated the program’s resilience and offensive firepower on the road.
Ibukunoluwa’s 23 points and Prosser’s 11 assists seal historic road victory
Freshman Tim Ibukunoluwa led the charge with 23 points, anchoring a balanced attack that saw five players score in double figures. Junior guard Pace Prosser orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, recording 17 points and 11 assists while committing zero turnovers. Graduate student Brendan Coyle contributed 21 points, including six three-pointers, while freshman Trent Egbiremolen added 20 points and nine rebounds. Redshirt junior Reid Ducharme finished with 11 points, showcasing the depth of the Saints’ roster as they shot 11-for-31 from three-point range and converted 28 of 33 free throws.
Siena seized control in the final ten minutes, executing a 15-3 run to establish a 70-60 lead with 10:39 remaining. When Dayton mounted an 8-0 response, the Saints maintained composure, with Ibukunoluwa scoring in the paint and hitting three free throws to extend the margin to 77-70 with 5:18 left on the clock. The decisive stretch highlighted the team’s ability to close out games against a physical opponent, securing a 10-point victory that underscores the immediate impact of Smith’s new leadership. The win marks a significant milestone for the defending Metro Conference champions as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
