Franciscan Cup Preview
Photo: Camdyn Ames/Upstate Sports Zone
Albany NY- Siena and Saint Bonaventure are set to square off tonight in the Franciscan Cup. The Bonnies and the Saints are both coming off statement victories and the title is on the line to be reclaimed.
Saint Bonaventure, a member of the A10, has easily been an underrated team the past couple years. This year, and last game, showed their potential when they defeated Kevin Huerter and the Terps of Maryland 63-61 at the buzzer. St. Bonaventure played without its top returning scorer, couldn't hit a three-point shot all night and was on the short end in most other statistical categories, yet the Bonnies somehow managed to beat a bigger, stronger Maryland team.
The Saints on the other hand, a member of the 28th conference in the RPI, the MAAC Conference, is a team still trying to find its way. Prior to last game, Siena was 0-4, with two overtime losses. Coach Jimmy Patsos has been optimistic, trying to boost moral in the locker room saying “Don’t worry, be happy”. With no returning starters, players like Roman Penn and Prince Orduro have proved their place in the lineup as freshman. Against Hofstra, Roman Penn added a double-double, 14 points and 11 assists, while Oduro scored 17. The outlook of this season began with guard Nico Clareth, and just like Patsos following last games win was optimistic, adding “It felt good to get the monkey off our back”. Siena was rocking from three, hitting 10 of 17, shooting 59 percent from the floor and three–point range.
Players to Watch:
Saint Bonaventure: Matt Mobley
Outlook: The Bonnies won't get a true picture of their potential until Jaylen Adams returns. Until then they will have to rely of Mobley for senior leadership as well as scoring. They won even though Mobley had a sub-par night. He entered the game averaging 25 points, but made only three of 12 shots from the field. Mobley, though, was perfect from the free-throw line, making all 10 attempts.
Siena: Roman Penn
Outlook: Roman Penn was tremendous in Siena’s first victory over Hofstra. He added his first career double-double in his debut with the Saints. “He played like a true point guard”, Jimmy Patsos said following the victory. Ball movement was key in Siena’s victory and Penn being a true point guard, will need to be able to distribute and score in tonight’s matchup.
Jakemupstate@gmail.com • Jake Martino • @jakemupstate
