In an early-season showdown, the Siena Saints (1-1 face off against the American Eagles (0-2). This matchup, set for November 13 at 6:00 PM CST, showcases two teams with contrasting starts to their season. Siena, coming off a tough loss against Richmond, looks to rebound and assert their dominance in the MAAC. Meanwhile, American, still seeking their first win, aims to utilize this opportunity to kick start their season. 

A Quest for Redemption

The Siena Saints, sitting at 1-1, enter this matchup with a blend of potential and concerns. Their recent performance, a significant loss to Richmond, highlighted areas needing improvement. Offensively, the team averages 73 points per game, ranking them 306th nationally. This statistic, however, doesn’t fully capture their potential, especially considering their 79th rank in 3-point percentage (38.9%) and a respectable 73rd in free throw percentage (76.2%). The reliance on Michael Eley, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, is evident. Eley’s ability to score 24.0 points per game while grabbing 11.0 rebounds demonstrates his significance to the Saints’ game plan. Zek Tekin’s contribution as the second-leading scorer (16.0 PPG) and team leader in assists (4.0 APG) and steals (3.0 SPG) further adds to their offensive arsenal. Their ability to execute from beyond the arc could be a decisive factor against American.

However, Siena’s defensive challenges are a concern. Ranking 199th in total rebounds (34.0 RPG) and allowing a 44.6% field goal percentage, the Saints need to shore up their defense. Killian Gribben, leading in blocked shots (3.0 BPG), is a key figure in bolstering their defensive efforts. The team’s trend of inconsistent play, particularly in their recent loss, indicates a need for more cohesive team defense and improved rebounding. Siena’s ability to transition effectively from defense to offense, exploiting their shooting strengths, will be crucial in overcoming American’s challenges.

One significant trend for Siena is their ability to bounce back from setbacks. Despite their recent loss, the Saints have shown the ability to adapt and improve game-by-game. Success for Siena will depend on their ability to execute their game plan effectively, leveraging their strengths in shooting and rebounding while addressing their defensive lapses.

In Search of a Breakthrough

The American Eagles, currently 0-2, are in a phase of rebuilding and searching for their first season victory. Their struggle is primarily on the offensive front, where they rank 225th in points scored with an average of 59.5 points per game. The most glaring issue is their shooting efficiency; they stand 329th in field goal percentage (35.2%) and 308th in 3-point shooting (24.6%). This lack of offensive efficiency has been a significant factor in their defeats. Jermaine Ballisager Webb, leading the team with 12.5 points per game, and Colin Smalls, contributing 10.0 points per game, are vital to the Eagles’ offense. However, their overall scoring struggles have hindered the team’s ability to compete effectively.

Defensively, the Eagles also face challenges, particularly in rebounding where they rank 315th with an average of 28.0 rebounds per game. This weakness is a concern against a Siena team that could exploit any rebounding deficiencies. Elijah Stephens, who leads the team in assists (4.5 APG), and Greg Jones, the leader in steals (1.5 SPG) and blocked shots (1.0 BPG), will need to anchor a more robust defense to counter Siena’s offensive threats.

A key trend for American is their inability to convert opportunities into points, as evidenced by their low shooting percentages. To secure their first win, they must improve their shooting efficiency, both from the field and beyond the arc. Defensively, a concerted effort is needed to enhance their rebounding and limit Siena’s second-chance points. 

David’s Pick – Siena Saints

This game presents a tale of two teams at different spectrums of their early-season journeys. Siena, despite their recent setback, displays a blend of shooting proficiency and individual talent that could prove decisive. On the other hand, American’s struggle for form and efficiency poses a significant challenge. The key to victory for Siena lies in exploiting American’s defensive lapses and maintaining their shooting efficiency. For American, a monumental effort is required to overcome their offensive and defensive struggles. Given the current dynamics, Siena seems poised to capitalize on their strengths and secure a win in this intriguing matchup.