Who Dat Said Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints!?
We’re talking about the Siena Saints! Welcome back and congratulations if you cashed last week’s FFP with Toledo going over the team total. Looking to build another streak, let’s revisit some familiar territory: dare I say, a return to the MAAC. The Siena Saints host the Iona Gaels at MVP Arena in Albany, NY 9:00 PM EST.
The Matchup
The Iona Gaels (19-4), led by Naismith Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, are the cream of the MAAC crop with an 11-1 Conference record. Led by senior stud guard Tyson Jolly (14.6 PPG), this Gaels attack has shown they have the explosiveness to beat anybody that steps in front of them on any given night. Boasting a Top 70 Offensive Efficiency and Top 80 Defensive Efficiency rating (per TeamRankings.com), Pitino’s boys have proven a well-balanced attack that can gut an opponent on both sides of the court. To add fuel to their fire, they are coming off their 1st conference loss of the season at Niagara Sunday night.
The Siena Saints are a team that has recently found their stride in Conference play. Starting off sluggish, The Saints, led by junior guard Colby Rogers (14.8 PPG), have won 4 of their last 5 and are 4-1 ATS. This is a Siena squad that likes to slow things down with a 228th ranked pace of play, which is contrary to Iona’s 59th ranked attack. The home team usually has the advantage in dictating pace of play, so in this instance, Siena should have the edge in conducting the tempo. What I like about this Siena team is they have a nice blend of size and speed, with 6’9 senior forward Jackson Stormo leading the team with 7 RPG. Each team has at least 3 players averaging double figures so they both have additional offensive weapons to rely on.
Show Me The Money
This game has the makings of being a knock down drag out fight to the finish. Siena has the revenge tonight losing by 17 in this matchup’s previous outing January 25. In smaller conferences, home court usually doesn’t mean as much, but Siena packs the house from home games, especially a marquee matchup like tonight. If Siena can slow down the pace and turn this into a rock fight, Iona will just want to escape the MVP Arena unscathed.
Nine points is way too many to lay on the road in my opinion, especially in conference play. This is not a sexy matchup to put your money on, but I am in the value game. Give me the points and the home court advantage with the Siena Saints.
