MAAC Championship Preview: Siena vs. Iona
When: Monday Night, 9PM
Where: Times Union Center
How to Watch: ESPN2
Breakdown: Siena is red hot coming in off the huge win against #1 seed Monmouth in a stunning upset. This is just what they need after Iona upset St. Peters on Sunday night. Iona and Siena played each other twice this season, splitting the series at 1 game apiece. Iona is on a little run for themselves winning 7 straight, and especially 7 straight wins against Siena at the TU. Siena took advantage on the road at Iona in the second time the met this season, just edging the Gaels.
Siena Going for the Ship
Not only would this be one of the biggest wins in the last 7 years for the Saints, but would be the biggest for their seniors. The seniors are more of contributors than I have seen in any other college team. Against Fairfield the Seniors contributed 65 of 76 against a solid defensive team. Not only is it the Seniors, but former 6th player of the former 6th year Nico Clareth dropped 27 points last night against Monmouth, with a sore ankle. Senior Marquis Wright is doing it all for the Saints. He is one of 5 players in double figures at 16.4ppg. Getting board is only the specialty of Brett Bisping, leading the MAAC with 9.6 a game, almost averaging at double-double. Siena will have to play big down low in order to beat Jordan Washington to the basket. In the first half against Monmouth, Siena struggled to get the ball to the basket forcing them to take threes. Again in order to beat Iona, they will need to accomplish that. Marquis Wright and whoever is playing the second guard, will need to be aware that they make the change from long to small guard real quick. Should be interesting to see how the game plays out.
Prediction: Siena wins the MAAC Championship
