Siena Saints (12-3) vs Canisius Golden Griffins (6-5)
Game Info: Friday, March 5, 2021 at 7:00 pm (Times Union Center)
Betting Odds: Siena Saints -- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Canisius Golden Griffins will travel to Times Union Center to take on the Siena Saints this Friday night in College Basketball action.
The Canisius Golden Griffins will look to avoid a 2-game sweep at the hands of the Siena Saints after the Golden Griffiths were defeated by the Saints by a 73-66 margin on Thursday night. Canisius made it a game in the 2nd half after trailing by a 36-25 margin at halftime, however, the Golden Griffins could not fight back after the Saints took a 66-60 lead with 2:10 left in regulation. Canisius shot 44.4% from the field and 28.0% from beyond the arc while Siena shot 43.6% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc. Canisius won the turnover battle by a 16-13 margin, however, the Golden Griffins was outrebounded by Siena by a 40-31 margin. Leading the way for the Golden Griffins was Malek Green (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, & 1 steal) while the Saints were led by Manny Camper (17 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals).
Coming into their game against Siena on Thursday, Canisius was averaging 69.7 ppg on 39.5% shooting from the field. The Golden Griffiths were averaging 7.4 three-pointers per game on 30.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Canisius had been led by Malek Green (12.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Majesty Brandon (12.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 spg), Jordan Henderson (9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.9 apg), & Jacco Fritz (8.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.9 apg).
Defensively, Canisius was allowing their opponents to average 69.9 ppg on 44.3% shooting from the field. The Golden Griffins had a rebound margin of -0.9 and a turnover margin of 2.4.
Coming into their game against Canisius on Thursday, Siena was averaging 67.8 ppg on 45.4% shooting from the field. The Saints were averaging 6.5 three-pointers per game on 34.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Siena had been led by Manny Camper (14.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.1 apg), Jordan King (12.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 2.1 apg), Jalen Pickett (11.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.3 bpg), & Jackson Stormo (10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 apg).
Defensively, Siena was holding their opponents to an average of 62.4 ppg on 41.0% shooting from the field. The Saints had a rebound margin of 2.9 and a turnover margin of -0.9.
Trends will be provided when released.
Canisius was able to pick up some solid wins against the weaker competition in the MAAC, however, the Golden Griffiths have not shown us that much this season and can struggled offensively as Canisius currently ranks just 218th in scoring offense, 326th in FG%, & 313th in 3P-FG%. Siena looks as if they are the team to beat in the MAAC this season and have been led by a stout defense that currently ranks 19th in scoring defense & 57th in defensive FG%. Canisius was able to put up more points than I expected on Thursday, however, I expect the Golden Griffins to struggle more on the offensive end in this one and as I expect the Saints to be favored by about 6-8 points, my initial lean is to take Siena to cover.
Brett’s Pick Please Check Back When The Line Has Been Released (Initial Lean Towards Siena)
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05