MAAC Tournament Preview And Predictions: Saturday Quarterfinals
Two of the four semifinal teams are set for the Men’s side of the MAAC Tournament. The remaining two will be decided tonight, as another doubleheader at the Times Union Center is set to begin. A quick heads up, the winner of tonight’s Manhattan – Siena game will play Iona. And the winner of the Fairfield – Saint Peter’s game will play Monmouth. Both of those games will be played on Sunday afternoon.
Game 1: #3 Siena vs. #6 Manhattan: One thing that is set in stone is the the fact that the defending MAAC champion Manhattan Jaspers are not going to go down quietly. Manhattan cruised to an 81-63 victory over last place Marist on Thursday. But a much bigger challenge stands in their way against Siena. After all, the Saints get to play the MAAC Tournament on their home court. And let me just say, it’s not going to be fun playing against that Siena crowd. And even though Manhattan pulled off an improbable run to the MAAC title last year, this is not the same team. For that reason, and the fact that Siena destroyed Manhattan 89-54 last time at the Times Union Center, Saints win. Siena 72, Manhattan 67.
Game 2: #4 Saint Peter’s vs. #5 Fairfield: It has been a pretty solid year for the Fairfield Stags. In fact, they finished the year with an 18-12 overall record, winning 10 of their final 14 games. However, two of those losses in that winning stretch came against, wait for it, the Saint Peter’s Peacocks. Of course the Stags can’t make this easy for me. I’m undefeated in my predictions so far, they want to see me down! Alright, back to the game. While Saint Peter’s has had the best of Fairfield so far this year, it’s extremely difficult to beat a team three times in one season. That’s true in any sport. Not only that, but Fairfield is just the better team. They have a great scoring combination with forward Marcus Gilbert and guard Tyler Nelson. And as a team, they shoot just under 40% from long range. Meaning they could get this win easily if they catch fire from deep. Fairfield 77, Saint Peter’s 64.
To watch tonight’s games, find out the TV schedule by clicking here.