` As the end of conference play came closer to its end and each game held more significance, the Siena men’s basketball team was hitting their stride at the right time. The team had been in great form for a couple of months and they had finally found consistency when playing on the road. For the first couple months of the season, the Saints were undefeated at home, and winless on the road. However, after capturing their first road win on January 31st against Iona, the team won three out of their next four on the road according to SienaSaints.com. For the majority of the season, the team had been hovering around .500 due to their struggles away from home. When looking back on the season, that first road win in New Rochelle could turn out to be the seminal moment of the season. Even though the team lost the following game to second place Saint Peters, the Saints proceeded to rattle off nine straight wins heading into the annual MAAC Conference tournament. Included in those string of games was an incredible game winning step back jumpshot by Jalen Pickett to keep the streak alive, and a twenty two point home victory on senior night against Niagara. They were both special moments that encapsulated what a truly special season the men’s basketball program had been having under Head Coach Carmen Maciarello. The team proceeded to win the MAAC Conference for the first time since 2010 when Fran McCaffery was at the helm, according to CoachesDatabase.com. The men’s basketball program continued to trend in the right direction heading into the MAAC tournament. The team beat Manhattan in front of an empty arena in their first game of the tournament. Things were looking bright for the Saints as the coronavirus continued to wreak havoc. The team’s chance at winning the tournament and potentially making an NCAA tournament appearance sadly disappeared due to the spread of the dangerous virus. With more and more sports leagues choosing to postpone games due to the increasing importance of social distancing and ensuring players safety, the NCAA canceled their highly anticipated tournament. It is unfortunate, especially considering the season that the team was having, but everyone’s safety during such turbulent times takes priority. They will be back next year, stronger than ever. Thank you to all departing players; Elijah Burns, Ben Diamond, Sammy Friday, and Matt Hein.
The Siena women’s team recently picked up a twelve point home victory against Iona in the team’s annual senior day. In Sabrina Piper’s last home game for the Saints, the ninth leading scorer in the conference, scored thirteen points which is right on par with her 13.6 points per game average for the season, according to MAACSPORTS.com. The senior day game was a commanding performance by the entire team where they topped the Gaels in steals, field goals made, and both offensive and defensive rebounds, according to SienaSaints.com. The scoring was balanced and four different players scored at least 10 points. It was a good way to close out the season at home. The team won their first game in the MAAC tournament with a ten point victory Canisius. They lost the next game against Fairfield. Thank you to all the players and coaches. Good luck to Sabrina Piper after a very successful career with the Siena Saints.