It is official...

**Fiasco** · 03-09-09, 06:54 PM

here you go sienna backers

let me ease your mind

It's the 2nd consecutive year that the top 2 seeds have made it to the MAAC Championship. This year Siena made it by knocking off #9 Canisius (77-52) & #5 Fairfield (80-65). Niagara defeated #10 Marist (79-50) & #3 Rider (93-89).

Niagara will have to play the tip in less than 22 hours from the ending of the thrilling double OT win against Rider. Rider pushed them to the limits and played them very tough. They had plently of chances to put away the Purple Eagles but fell short. With :48 left in regulation Rider was leading 71-68, a missed foul led to Lewis hitting a 3 for Niagara sending them into OT. Another 3 was hit with :02 left in OT, however this time it was Niagara's Thompson. In the 2nd OT the Eagles finally edged Rider winning by 4. This game should leave the Eagles with a slight hangover and they should be a bit tired IMO.

Since the disgusting loss @ Niagara (100-85), the Saints have really stepped up their D. Forcing an average of 18 turnovers in the 3 outings since then. The point guard Ronald Moore has opend his eyes a bit. He has a great outlook of games and has the ability to find the open man in the best position. Against Fairfield he set a MAAC tourney record w/ 14 Assists. He should be able to capitalize on a tired Niagara team.

The Times Union Center should be rockin' tonight. Even though they are re-configuring seats to try & make it a more "neutral" environment. Isn't going to happen that easily though. IMO Siena has home court advantage. With that being said Siena hasn't lost @ TUC all year. Including a 17 point win against Niagara.

Trends:

SIENA is 6-3 against the spread versus NIAGARA since 1997
SIENA is 8-5 straight up against NIAGARA since 1997
SIENA is 3-0 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
SIENA is 3-0 straight up against NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons

Play On - A home team (SIENA) - after a cover as a double digit favorite, in March games.
(44-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (78.6%, +30.8 units. Rating = 4*)

Play On - Home teams as a favorite or pick (SIENA) - after a cover as a double digit favorite, in March games.
(41-11 over the last 5 seasons.) (78.8%, +28.9 units. Rating = 4*)

I'm rolling with the Siena Saints tonight......

Siena (-2.5) 3* (bought hook)

Line already moved a full point since opening @ 2.5

BOL

**Fiasco** · 03-09-09, 06:56 PM

the way I handicap, I see sienna as a very strong play...

other than the fact the public is ridiculously on them...

and espn has 92% on them for their streak to the cash

**The HG** · 03-09-09, 07:09 PM

Thanks for the posts.

So, if you bet Siena you are on the same side as jj, sammy AND the extreme majority of the public at large.

uh oh