Can the Siena Saints Win the MAAC Championship?

The Siena Saints are rolling at the perfect time.  They continue to climb the MAAC standings as they currently sit in a tie for second place with Saint Peters and just behind Iona.  Here is my quick take on the red hot Saints from the Times Union:

After watching the Siena men’s basketball team take down Iona on Friday night on National TV and then on a short turnaround beat Rider on the road Sunday in overtime, I have come to the conclusion that Siena is plenty good enough to win the MAAC championship. Head Coach Carmen Maciariello has brought this team along very nicely this season, navigating through some tough times early, but coming together at the perfect time. There are a number of teams that can win the MAAC but Siena is definitely one of them.

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Michael Johnson Jr. and I discussed Siena's huge weekend as they knocked off Iona on Friday night and then Rider on Sunday afternoon by one point in overtime.  Below is our full conversation.

The crowd and overall atmosphere on Friday night was truly awesome.  Siena was down 10 midway through the second half and fought back to win 70-64.  Jackson Stormo's dunk sent the MVP Arena into a frenzy.  Javian McCollum hit two clutch free throws late to give Coach Carm and the saints the win.  Michael Baer had an incredible defensive performance as well and grabbed some huge rebounds late in the second half.

But the best player both games for the Saints was absolutely Anthony Gaines.  He led them in scoring both against Iona and Rider.  His experience from Northwestern is clearly paying off as he is fearless and aggressive and his teammates feed off of his energy.  I really think Siena can win the MAAC and get into the NCAA Tournament this year.