Ohio State Will Have Trouble Wth Siena

When the fans in Columbus, Ohio found out Ohio State was playing the Siena Saints in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, many figured it would be an easy win for the Buckeyes.

Others didn't even know where the school was located.

Siena is a small school from Loudonville, NY, and many feel they may be overmatched, but if you have seen them play, you might think otherwise.

They have two players averaging almost 15 points a game in Kenny Hasbrouck and Edwin Ubiles. Starting point guard Ronald Moore is averaging nine points and six assists a game, while Clarence Jackson is averaging nine points off the bench.

This is a team that likes to run. Siena is averaging 78 points a game and has picked up their defense over the last three games. They did lose to Niagara by 15 on Feb. 27, but defeated them in the MAAC Championship game 77-70.

Siena lost to Tennessee 64-78, Pittsburgh 66-79 and Kansas 84-91, but all of these games were on the road and earlier in the season.

Siena likes to try different ways of getting teams to turn the ball over. They use half-court traps, full-court press and man-to-man.

So if point guards P.J. Hill and Jeremie Simmons can set up the half-court offense, Ohio State should do well.

Ohio State has three players in John Diebler, William Buford, and Evan Turner averaging over 35 minutes a game.

The Bucks could be looking at a long night if they get into a running game with the Saints, and wear themselves out in a hurry.

Siena doesn't turn the ball over, and players are fast and well disciplined. It's everything you could want in a college basketball team. 

Not only should Ohio State be careful, but Louisville should be watching this game as well.

This is a good veteran team that Ohio State should not take lightly.