Siena Basketball Edged By Marist 65-64

Siena Basketball led by 14 points but fell short in a 65-64 loss to Marist. Gavin Doty's 20-point performance wasn't enough as the team struggled in the second half. Elijah Lewis' late layup with 24 seconds left secured Marist's comeback victory. The Saints dropped to 11-14 overall and 6-8 in the MAAC, while Marist improved to 17-5. The game highlighted Siena's inability to close out and Marist's resilience under pressure. What went wrong for the Saints in the final minutes?

Despite holding a 14-point lead, Siena Basketball fell short in a narrow 65-64 loss to Marist on February 14, 2025, in Albany, NY. A game analysis reveals that Marist capitalized on key moments to overcome the deficit, with Elijah Lewis' layup with 24 seconds left proving decisive. Marist's overall field goal percentage stood at 43.9%, with a strong 50% conversion rate on 2-point attempts. Their 3-point shooting was less efficient at 31.6%, but essential contributions from players like Josh Pascarelli, who made 3 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc, kept them competitive. Marist's 17-5 record highlights their consistent performance throughout the season. Gavin Doty led Siena with 20 points, showcasing his offensive prowess.

Siena's shooting statistics were not detailed, but their inability to maintain their early advantage highlighted struggles in the second half. Player stats underscored Marist's balanced offensive effort. Elijah Lewis led the team with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Josh Pascarelli added 12 points, including pivotal 3-pointers. Tarik Watson and Jadin Collins each contributed 8 points, with Watson grabbing 6 rebounds. Jaden Daughtry was a standout on the boards, securing a game-high 13 rebounds to complement his 6 points. The game was broadcast live on ESPN+, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the intense matchup.

Siena faltered in the second half, while Marist's balanced offense, led by Lewis and Pascarelli, secured the comeback win.

Marist's 38 total rebounds and 11 assists reflected their cohesive team play, which proved indispensable in their comeback. Marist's victory improved their record to 17-5 overall and 10-3 in the MAAC conference, solidifying their strong standing in the league. Meanwhile, Siena dropped to 11-14 overall and 6-8 in conference play, further dimming their postseason prospects.

The loss, particularly after building a significant lead, highlighted inconsistencies in Siena's execution during critical stretches. Marist's ability to perform under pressure, evidenced by their late-game composure, demonstrated their resilience and tactical discipline. The game's outcome had broader implications for the MAAC standings, with Marist maintaining their position as a top contender.

Siena's inability to close out the game raised questions about their late-game decision-making and defensive focus. While individual performances from Marist's roster were instrumental, Siena's collapse underscored the challenges they face in closing out competitive contests. The narrow margin of defeat, coupled with the squandered lead, will likely linger as a missed opportunity for Siena in their pursuit of a stronger conference finish.