The Hot Stay Hot: Which MAAC Teams Should Thrive Down the Stretch?

You've heard the saying "the rich get richer." Well, in the MAAC, it looks like the hot will get hotter as the conference tournament approaches.

Siena has a tough schedule, but they also have too much talent and chemistry to be beaten on anything other than an "off" night. With the exception of Siena, Iona's schedule is extremely favorable for the Gaels.

Siena is already 12-0 in MAAC play. In first place by three games, the Saints' magic number is three. A win at home tonight over Iona would cut the number to one.

Siena has already beaten all six of their remaining MAAC opponents. Considering the Saints handled Iona and Fairfield on the road, they should win—possibly in close games—at home, where they have taken 32 straight.

Although the Purple Eagles have deep talented guard play, Niagara has struggled this year without a true big man. Siena has two powerful post players in Alex Franklin and Ryan Rossiter, who combined for 35 points in Siena's 83-65 defeat of Niagara. Next Friday's match should be a similar story.

Canisius kept Siena close when the two teams met in January, but the Saints walked away with a 12-point win. Siena's guards have the edge over Frank Turner and Julius Coles while Rossiter and Franklin should overpower the Golden Griffins' post players.

Rider is climbing in the standings as a result of hot play, and the Saints better hope the Broncs slow down before February 26. A hot Rider team against an undefeated Siena team will create a hostile environment in Lawrenceville.

Rider's Mike Ringgold and Novar Gadson have the bodies to battle Franklin and Rossiter. While Siena's guard play is superior, Rider's guards are streaky. Ryan Thompson, Justin Robinson, and Jhamar Youngblood can all catch fire, so Siena will need to suffocate the perimeter—a task they have struggled to fulfill this season.

If Siena's going to lose a MAAC game without having a team-wide "off" night, they'll lose to Rider.

Siena ends its regular season against Marist. Expect a rout.

Expected MAAC finish: 18-0

The MAAC's most pleasant surprise, Iona, is currently 17-6 and has possession of second place with a 9-3 MAAC record.

Iona will commence the final third of MAAC play on the road at Siena.

If Iona can hustle back on defense to prevent Ronald Moore from achieving maximum effectiveness, the Gaels will be able to limit Siena's high-percentage shots—the Saints shot 50 percent against the Gaels in December as a result of pushing the ball. Iona's half-court defense is possibly the MAAC's best, so the Gaels must force Siena into a half-court game.

Iona, who leads the MAAC with a 37.7 percent conversion rate on treys, can take advantage of Siena's inconsistent perimeter defense like they did in December.

Alejo Rodriguez will need to avoid foul trouble and, if possible, draw fouls from Franklin and Rossiter. Overall, the Gaels will need to toe the charity stripe more than the six times they did in December.

Unfortunately for the Gaels, their eight game winning streak will most likely end tonight. However, they have the weapons to defeat Siena.

Following the Siena game, Iona plays three consecutive games against teams who will be playing on Friday night in the MAAC tournament. The Gaels have already beaten Marist, Manhattan, and Loyola.

Although Manhattan and Loyola kept Iona close, the Gaels were on the road. Now, they'll host the Jaspers and the Greyhounds. Neither opponent had an offense capable of penetrating Iona's defense at home; neither opponent will be able to be efficient on the road.

Iona will conclude regular season play with road games at Fairfield and Saint Peter's.

The Gaels couldn't contain Anthony Johnson (25 points) when they hosted the Stags in January, but the defense held the rest of Fairfield to 33 points. Iona should be hot entering this game while Fairfield could potentially take the floor as losers of four of their last five.

Fairfield is the worst MAAC defender of the three, so Iona should be able to take advantage once again.

Iona versus Saint Peter's will feature defense. The Peacocks won the first battle by two at Iona, but expect the Gaels to return the favor in the regular season's final game by giving Wesley Jenkins extra attention on defense. If the Gaels eliminate Jenkins from the Peacocks' offense, Saint Peter's doesn't have enough offensive threats to beat Iona.

Expected MAAC finish: 14-4

Surprise Appearance

Until two weeks ago, Rider's season seemed like a lost cause. Then, the Broncs picked up three straight wins against Niagara, Manhattan, and Fairfield to hit the .500 mark in conference play.

Now 6-6 in the MAAC, Rider has the stretch schedule every team dreams for. Five of the Broncs' last six conference games will be played at home, in Alumni Gymnasium.

Rider might only be 5-3 at home, but you can expect more and more fans to pass through the turnstiles if Rider has a chance at a top three MAAC finish. As more fans come to the games, Alumni Gymnasium will become more and more hostile.

This team was voted to finish third in the MAAC for a reason. Don't be surprised if the Broncs win four or even five their final six conference games.

Expected MAAC finish: 10-8

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