Game 12, 2023-24: Siena (12/30)

[MikeUMA]

Way early on this, but getting it started after seeing what Albany did to Siena this weekend: beat them by 35, 86-51.

We beat Albany by 21, so yikes. On paper, that should be a breeze. Richmond beat them by 42.

https://sienasaints.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

[Floyd]

U just jinxed us Mike

[MikeUMA]

[MikeUMA]

Woof. Siena is 2-10 and next-to-last in the NET ratings. They're 0-7 away from their place.

Their 2 wins
73-71 over Holy Cross (NET 353)
67-65 over Rider (NET 300)

They do have some fresh hope though. Because of that judges ruling on two-time transfers, Siena is now playing with 6-5 Jr G Sean Durugordon. He was at Mizzou (with Ronnie DeGray) in 2021-22, and Austin Peay last season.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pl ... don-1.html
In the two games this season with the Saints, he's putting up 23.5 points and 12 boards.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pl ... melog/2024

[Floyd]

Siena Mist

[69MG]

They have also had Michael Eley back for the last 6 games after an ankle injury. He's a 6'4 guard who has averaged 13.5 points and 6 boards in those 6 games. Having him and Durugordon makes their offense better than it was. They are still a weak team and no excuses for letting them stay in the game.

[thecaptain]

TCOB

[LS71]

^ Exactly-no drama.

[69MG]

FYI, Durugordon has taken 22 three pointers in the 2 games he has played and made 9 for 41%. He's only 6 for 17 on his two point attempts.

[bobolink]

So far, this season has seen games that felt like good wins played with opponent's key players unavailable. Lowell was missing Coulibaly, West Virginia lost Jesse Edwards during that game and Portland was missing a bunch, with another hurt in the first half vs UMass. That may be turning around vs Siena with Durugordon and Eley playing. Their last game was one of their best, as they seemed to have Brown beat, having a 6-point lead with 1:30 left. But back-to-back 3s sunk them after Durugordon missed his FT. Brown was coming off a recent win over URI. Anyway, I think Siena is now better than next to last in the NCAA, but UMass should win. Not necessarily as easy as we've been thinking, though.

[UMassFan99]

Just watched the Portland game again. They came out soft in the first half. If we do that against better teams, we’ll be in a lot of trouble. Also, Curry looked completely out of place. I’m sure he’ll be good at some point but he seems to hurt the team when he’s in.

[minutefanjsf]

Just watched the Portland game again. They came out soft in the first half. If we do that against better teams, we’ll be in a lot of trouble. Also, Curry looked completely out of place. I’m sure he’ll be good at some point but he seems to hurt the team when he’s in.

Curry is an inconsistent freshman. He has kept us in games and sparked some runs. If he can be consistent he will be excellent, not just good.

[eldonabe]

KenPom shows Umass as a 23 point favorite.

[stevemaz]

I wouldnt be surprised at all to see this a close game at half.

[eldonabe]

I wouldnt be surprised at all to see this a close game at half.

I agree - Take Siena and the points in the 1st half - if your service does those wagers.

It is not posted on my site yet (probably not until tomorrow), but I bet it is -12.5 or -13