GAME NOTES: In-state rivals are set to collide tonight, as the Manhattan Jaspers head to Albany for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tilt with the Siena Saints at Times Union Center. The Jaspers will close out a four-game road trip, during which the club has lost two of three thus far. Manhattan's lone win on the road, a 69-65 decision over Canisius on January 11th, has been sandwiched between losses at Marist (76-66) and Niagara (80-63). The most recent setback evened the club's 2007-08 ledger at 8-8, and dropped the Jaspers to 2-4 in league play. As for Siena, it has won two in a row and three of its last five coming into tonight's matchup. The team's most recent success, a 72-44 trouncing of Canisius, improved the Saints to 10-6 on the season, and 5-1 in MAAC action. Manhattan holds a 44-27 advantage in the all-time series between these two long-time rivals.

Manhattan shot just 37.7 percent from the floor during Sunday's 17-point trouncing at Niagara, and struggled at the foul line as well, converting a mere 11-of-17 attempts. The Jaspers were guilty of 16 turnovers in the loss which accounted for 18 points for the Purple Eagles, and were dominated on the glass to the tune of a 45-31 rebounding deficit. Antoine Pearson and Nick Walsh each scored 11 points to lead Manhattan in the losing effort, and Laurence Jolicoeur chipped in 10 points off the bench. Pearson stands alone as the only double- digit scorer on the team this season, checking in with 12.3 ppg. However, Devon Austin and Rashad Green provide solid contribution as well, with 9.9 and 9.1 ppg, respectively.

Siena averages 77.9 ppg, and currently boasts four players netting double figures on a consistent basis. Edwin Ubiles leads the team with 16.8 ppg, followed by Kenny Hasbrouck and his 15.0 ppg. Alex Franklin has been responsible for 14.5 points and a team-leading 7.3 rpg, while Ronald Moore tallies 10.2 ppg. Siena shot just 38.8 percent during Sunday's victory over lowly Canisius, but the Saints dominated the boards, 45-29, and forced the Golden Griffins into 23 turnovers while only being guilty of 12 giveaways themselves. Clarence Jackson scored 13 points off the bench to lead Siena, while Ubiles and Moore added 10 points apiece. Moore also dished out nine assists during the contest, giving him a team-best 87 on the year.

Siena seems to be heating up again, and will have the home crowd behind it in this one, a perfect combination when an in-state rival comes to play.