Robinson and Wright Set Career Highs, Monmouth Downs Siena 102-82

The emotions were high for Siena when rival Monmouth came into town on Monday night. Monmouth is hot winning four straight, extending it to 5 with the win over Siena 102-82. In the last meeting Monmouth beat Siena 93-87. Monmouth last year swept last year’s regular season series for the second year in a row.

In the first half it was the usually rivalry, back and forth, point by point. Until Monmouth Guard Justin Robinson continued his hot streak at the TU Center. Siena fired right back to end the half hitting their last 7 of 9 shots including a buzzer beater by Marquis Wright (See Video). In the first half a couple things I noticed was that Siena’s transition defense was very weak. Monmouth guards are given too much space in return, they space the floor and hit open 3’s. Siena’s defense is relying too heavily on the outside jump shots. No dribble penetration! They pass the ball around the arc. Another observation was there were traveling violations back and forth within the first 10 minutes. Monmouth led Siena 47-46 at the half

In the second half Siena captured their only lead in the game with a 3 ball from Marquis Wright. But 2 seconds right back down the court is Justin Robinson and that is when Monmouth would then go on a 15-1 run to start the second half. Siena had trouble getting an offensive rebound in the second half, Monmouth scored 19 second chance points. For Siena in the second half the turnovers killed, allowing Monmouth to score 28 points off of turnovers. Early in the second Wright took over the game. I noticed Patsos is not playing as many players as he usually does.

A big thing Patsos should have changed in that second half is he should have game out in zone. Lock down the outside and make Monmouth drive. I talked to Lavon Long after the game and he added that “We kind of played a Man-Zone type of defense. Defense was the biggest I would have changed from this game.”

The key matchup in the game was between the two smallest guys on the floor, Marquis Wright vs. Justin Robinson. Robinson dropped 40 and Marquis dropped 36, both career highs. Coach King Rice added after the game that “We play pack line defense; we try not to have to focus on one guy or the other. Siena imposed some matchup problems with their girth and size. Thought the guys did a great job locking down everyone on the floor.

The stat sheet showed the attendance went down by at least 2,000 people. With the home losing streak slowly extending could this be the case. I got the chance to ask Jimmy Patsos in the press conference why they can pick up big wins on the road at Iona and Marist, but can’t come home and beat a just as good team in Monmouth. “From the past being the coach on other teams we knew whenever we came here, we circled it. The stage is always set, lights are always on and the games are almost always televised. It was a big game. The big thing right now with games this week is that I have to go look back at the tape and they all game in hot ready to play us.”

It was an off night on the other hand for Senior’s Lavon Long and Brett Bisping. Patsos commented after the game that “Lavon and Brett have to play better if we are going to beat Monmouth, that is two games in a row they haven’t played as well”.

Like Patsos has said time and time again “We have a day to go to school and regroup”. Hopefully Siena can regroup for the next game on Thursday against Patsos’ former school Niagara.

For continued coverage of Siena basketball, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports

By Jake Martino