Siena Wins Opener Over Tennessee State

NASHVILLE, TN - Clarence Jackson, the only newcomer to Siena’s starting rotation, scored 15 of his game-high 24 points during a decisive five minute and 45 second span that bridged the first and second half. 

Behind Jackson, and a ferocious trapping defense, the Saints broke free from a 23-23 tie to build a 35 point lead with 10:29 remaining.

"I thought he was great, he was a star," McCaffery said of his junior guard. "That’s the type of effort I felt like he could give us (in the past) if I could have found the minutes for him. The thing that is impressive with Clarence is he’s doing so many more things than jump-shooting the ball. He’s playing much better defense."

Senior Alex Franklin had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Ronald Moore finished with seven points, eight assists and five boards.  ‘Alex was a beast," McCaffery said.

It marked the first road win to start the season for the Saints since December 2, 1972

Tennessee State employed a pressure defense that bothered the Saints, especially early and late. Siena finished with 29 turnovers. Last season, the Saints’ season-high in that category was 22.

"I thought (they) had a really good game plan," McCaffery said.

"I was really disappointed with how we finished the game. I thought we had some really soft turnovers . That really bothered me."

Siena opens its home season on national television, hosting Northeastern on Tuesday at noon.