Franklin scores 23, top-seeded Siena escapes 9th-seeded Manhattan 78-61 in MAAC quarterfinals

Siena defeats Manhattan 78-61

ALBANY, N.Y. — Conference player of the year Alex Franklin had 23 points and 11 rebounds as top-seeded Siena survived a scare against ninth-seeded Manhattan 78-61 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals on Saturday.

Owen Wignot added 10 points and Ryan Rossiter had 10 points and 12 boards for the Saints (25-6), who advanced to face Rider, a 69-57 winner over Saint Peter’s, in Sunday’s semifinals.

Rico Pickett had 18 points for the Jaspers (11-20), with Darryl Crawford adding 12.

Siena overcame a 12-point deficit to win after trailing at halftime for only the seventh time this season. The Saints denied Manhattan’s bid to become the first No. 9 seed to reach the semifinals.

Wignot gave Siena its first lead with a 3-pointer that made it 48-46 five minutes into the second half. The Saints outscored Manhattan 23-7 over the next 10 minutes to clinch the win.