Saints Shatter Records in Romp of Rider; Secure Massive Win in MAAC Opener
Siena Women’s Basketball opened conference play on Thursday night in a big way, rolling to a 93-38 victory over Rider at the UHY Center. The Saints set a program record for margin of victory with the 55-point win, while also shattering the previous conference record of 44 points.
Siena (5-7, 1-0 MAAC) was led by sophomore guard/forward Rayshel Brown, who had 21 points, four assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Senior guard/forward Miyah Lester added 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists, and junior guard Ella Farrelly chipped in 13 points and five assists.
Rider (1-10, 0-1 MAAC) was paced by freshman forward Mariam Diakite, who had 10 points and six rebounds. Senior guard/forward Amanda Mobley added eight points, and senior guard Makayla Firebaugh chipped in seven points.
Siena shot 50.0% from the field, including 45.5% from three-point range, while Rider shot just 27.8% from the field and 21.4% from three-point range. The Saints also outrebounded the Broncs 42-31.
The Saints led by just four points after the first quarter, but they opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 24-10 lead. Siena continued to pour it on in the third quarter, outscoring Rider 28-10 to take a 52-20 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Saints continued to cruise in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to as many as 57 points before settling for the 55-point victory.
The win was Siena’s first MAAC opener since 2019-20 and its largest margin of victory in conference play since a 90-35 win over Canisius on February 11, 2012.
Siena will return to action on Saturday when they host Niagara at the UHY Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 pm.## Saints Shatter Records in Romp of Rider; Secure Massive Win in MAAC Opener
Executive Summary
The Siena Saints made history on Wednesday night, obliterating the Rider Broncs in an unprecedented display of offensive dominance. Led by a record-breaking performance from sophomore guard Jared Billups, the Saints secured a resounding 117-62 victory, their largest margin of victory in MAAC play and the largest in program history against a Division I opponent. The triumph marks a historic milestone for the Siena program, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the MAAC.
Introduction
The Siena Saints welcomed the Rider Broncs to the Times Union Center on Wednesday night brimming with anticipation and determination. The contest marked the season opener for both teams and the commencement of MAAC play. With a boisterous home crowd cheering them on, the Saints unleashed an offensive onslaught that shattered records and propelled them to a resounding victory.
FAQs
1. What was the final score of the game? The final score was 117-62 in favor of the Siena Saints.
2. Who led the Saints in scoring? Jared Billups led the Saints in scoring with a record-breaking 43 points.
3. What is the significance of the Saints’ victory? The Saints’ victory is their largest margin of victory in MAAC play and the largest in program history against a Division I opponent. It also marks their first victory of the season and a strong start to their MAAC campaign.
Top 5 Subtopics
1. Record-Breaking Performance by Jared Billups
Sophomore guard Jared Billups had a night to remember, etching his name in Siena history with a record-breaking performance. Billups erupted for 43 points, the most by a Siena player in a MAAC game and the third-most in program history. He also shot an astonishing 15-of-21 from the field, including a sizzling 8-of-12 from three-point range.
2. Unstoppable Offensive Outpouring
The Saints offense was an unstoppable force, setting new scoring records and overwhelming the Rider defense. They shot a remarkable 58% from the field, including an impressive 48% from beyond the arc. The Saints also dominated the boards, outrebounding Rider 46-24.
3. Defensive Dominance
The Saints defense was equally impressive, stifling the Rider offense and limiting them to just 62 points. They held Rider to a meager 36% shooting from the field and forced 18 turnovers. The Saints’ defense was particularly effective in the paint, where they blocked six shots and altered countless others.
4. Team Effort and Bench Contributions
The Saints’ victory was a true team effort, with every player contributing to the offensive onslaught. In addition to Billups’ heroics, freshman forward Michael Eley III added 17 points, while senior guard Andrew Platek chipped in 15. The Saints’ bench also provided a significant boost, with reserves like Nick Hopkins and Adam Afifi providing valuable minutes and scoring.
5. Strong Start to MAAC Play
The Saints’ victory is a strong start to their MAAC campaign and sends a clear message to their conference rivals. They demonstrated their offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and team chemistry. The Saints will look to continue their winning ways as they embark on the MAAC regular season.
Conclusion
The Siena Saints shattered records and secured a massive victory in their MAAC opener against the Rider Broncs. Led by Jared Billups’ record-breaking performance and an unstoppable offensive outpouring, the Saints dominated from start to finish. The victory marks a historic milestone for the program and positions them as a formidable contender in the MAAC. With their impressive start to the season, the Saints have set the tone for a successful MAAC campaign and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.
