Mount St. Mary's Takes on Siena Thursday: A Look Ahead
Hey hoops fans! So, Mount St. Mary's is playing Siena this Thursday, and let me tell you, this game's got me hyped. I've been following both teams pretty closely this season, and I think this one's gonna be a nail-biter. I've learned a few things about predicting college basketball games over the years, and I'm gonna share some insights with you all. Buckle up, 'cause we're diving deep into this matchup!
My Early Prediction & Why I'm Nervous
My gut says Siena's gonna squeak this one out, but honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Mountaineers pulled off an upset. I'm nervous though! Remember that time I predicted a blowout win for my alma mater, only to watch them get completely clobbered? Yeah, that still stings a little. It taught me a valuable lesson though: don't underestimate the power of a good defensive strategy. And both these teams have some serious defensive chops.
Siena's Strength: Their Inside Game
Siena's got a killer inside game. Their post players are strong, and they dominate the boards. Seriously, I watched their game against Iona last week – rebounding was a total bloodbath. Iona just couldn't keep up. If Mount St. Mary's wants to have a chance, they need to box out aggressively. It's gonna be crucial to keep Siena off the offensive glass. Controlling the boards is key to winning games, especially in close contests. It’s a basic basketball principle, but often overlooked.
Mount St. Mary's Advantage: Three-Point Shooting
On the other hand, Mount St. Mary's has some sharpshooters on their team. Their three-point percentage this season is pretty impressive. If they can get hot from beyond the arc, they could easily keep pace with Siena. Plus, they have really good ball movement—making sure the ball gets to the open player is crucial in these situations. Last year, I was watching a game where a team had amazing three-point shooters, but their ball movement was terrible, resulting in a huge loss. Don't underestimate good ball movement and shot selection.
Key Factors for a Mount St. Mary's Victory
To win, Mount St. Mary's needs to do a few key things. First, they need to limit Siena's second-chance points. It's that simple! I've seen too many games lost due to sloppy play on the defensive boards. It's just something they need to lock down. Then, they must get hot from three. Hitting those three-pointers will be critical for them. And finally, they need to control the tempo of the game. If they let Siena dictate the pace, it'll be a long night.
Where to Watch and My Final Thoughts
You can catch the game on ESPN+. Or, if you're in the area, I hear they have some killer deals on tickets. Check their website for details. As for my final prediction... I'm sticking with Siena, but only by a few points. This game could go either way. It's gonna be a barn burner. Let's just hope it's a clean game with great sportsmanship. And remember, folks: always check the latest sports news before placing any bets.
So there you have it! My take on the upcoming Mount St. Mary's vs. Siena game. I'm excited to see how it unfolds. Who are you rooting for? Let me know in the comments below!