Siena Blows Out Marist on Senior Day, Clinch 4 Seed for MAAC Tournament
Albany NY- Sunday was senior day at the TU Center, when Siena took on Marist. Siena recognized 5 senior players, Bisping, Long, Ogunyemi, Wright and Merill. Coming into the game, Siena was looking to get back on track after losing to rival Monmouth.
The focus in the first four minutes, get the seniors involved. Although Jimmy Merill didn’t score, he did have 3 rebounds, which got the crowd going. Early for Marist the 3 point ball was huge, scoring seven, three pointers in their opening twenty one points. The biggest lead for Marist was ten at one point. Then, Siena went on a roll to end the half, going on an 18-8 run, led by Lavon Long and Nico Clareth with 12. The play of the first half was the last, when Lavon Long took his time inbounding off the free throw. Then he threw it all the way down to Brett Bisping who made the basket with 2 seconds left on the clock. That bucket game Siena a 45-40 lead at the half.
Siena got out to an 11-5 run to start the second half. Nico Clareth has been key for the Saints coming off the bench. Only a sophomore, Nico has a clear path to success with the Saints. Lavon Long got things going for the Saints out of the media timeout with a turn-around jumper putting Siena up eight. Following Hart’s three for Marist, Marquis Wright charged down the floor, picked up the and one to give the Saints an eight-point lead. Next time down the floor for the Saints, Marquis followed up with a pull up trey to put the Saints up eleven. After the technical charge to the Marist coach, Nico hit two free throws to extend the lead to sixteen for the Saints. The crowd got going with 4 minutes left when Jimmy Merill entered the game for Siena. Siena had 3 shooters in double figures, something they need to keep up, especaialy heading into the MAAC tournament. Siena controlled the whole offense end of the floor in the second half shooting. Siena had an OK night from the field shooting 48.5%, but attempted more threes the usual, 28. This game was a good test early on for Siena, but when the fans got into it, Siena did what they do best.
“It is going to be tough beating a team (Fairfield) 3 times in one year”. Long added after the game. Everything changes, especially when you are playing basketball in March. “The crowd is everything” Jimmy Patsos commented after the game. “I hope the late game doesn’t scare away the people”. “Nico was good in the huddle tonight, and that is something we know we can have night in and night out”.
Going to be a tough ride next year without the Seniors, hopefully the Saints can win the MAAC tournament and advance to the NCAA tournament. The MAAC Tournament begins on March 2nd through the 6th. For now, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
