Siena Falls to 0-2 After Big Loss to “Dunk City” in Home Opener
Final- Florida Gulf Coast 86, Siena 53
Albany NY- After kicking off the 2017-2018 campaign with an overtime loss to Charleston, the Saints were looking to get the season back on track. Siena took on Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night at the Times Union Center with questions still arising over the starting lineup. FGCU took advantage and cruised to an 86-53 win over Siena.
The Atlantic Sun champs came out booming and would eventually pound Siena against the home crowd. Who after last year’s run, has high hopes for Siena to bring home the MAAC Championship. Nico Clareth got in trouble early, drawing three fouls in the first half, being the leading scorer he took a seat on the bench. The problem surrounding Clareth, Patsos believes is his lack of playmaking on offense. The lack of assists and poor shooting cost Siena in two games to start the season they could have taken advantage and gotten out to a great start.
Let me remind you that Siena has 0 seniors, and 0 starters returning from last year. The team is lacking and it is showing. Freshman Prince Oduro added after the game that “the experience is lacking”. Oduro was getting pounded inside to start the game, and after the recording a double-double in his first collegiate game, he brings potential to the Siena lineup. Last night though, Oduro struggled significantly, going 2-12 with seven points and three rebounds.
Brandon Goodwin and Christian Terrel both added 16 points in the victory for FGCU, making it 10 straight on the road dating back to last season. The Eagles shot 33 of 64 from the field (51.6 percent), including 6 of 20 from distance, and knocked down 14 of 20 attempts from the free-throw line. FGCU lead 40-27 at the half, and came out of the gates red hot to start the second half, going on a 15-3 run to open up a 20-point lead on the Saints. The Eagles outrebounded Siena 48-33 and held a massive 50-16 edge in points in the paint.
As Camdyn says that was a tough pill for Siena to swallow, especially with the size and talent of Florida Gulf Coast. Siena (0-2) can hope to see better days ahead.
Jakemupstate@gmail.com • Jake Martino • @jakemupstate
