I remember watching that thrilling game against Fairfield last month, and honestly, it reminded me why I've been following Siena Saints basketball for over fifteen years. When Javian McCollum drilled that game-tying three-pointer with just 39.9 seconds left in regulation, I found myself standing up from my couch despite watching alone. The shot wasn't just impressive—it was legendary, the kind of moment that can redefine a team's entire season. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of college basketball games, I've learned to recognize these turning points, and McCollum's performance felt particularly significant. He didn't just tie the game at 66; he essentially carried the team through double overtime before finally letting his teammates take over.
What struck me most was how McCollum repeated his heroics in the first overtime period, sinking another incredible three from way beyond the arc to tie the game at 72 with 2:23 remaining on the clock. I've seen plenty of players hit clutch shots, but doing it twice in such high-pressure situations speaks volumes about his mental toughness. His final stat line—20 points, four rebounds, and two assists—doesn't fully capture his impact on that game. Having followed McCollum's development since his freshman year, I can confidently say we're witnessing his transformation from a promising player to a genuine leader. This evolution couldn't come at a better time for the Saints, who've struggled to find consistent performance since their championship years.
Looking at the broader picture, I'm genuinely optimistic about Siena's chances this season, though I'll admit they face significant challenges. The MAAC conference has become increasingly competitive, with teams like Iona and Rider consistently performing at high levels. However, what gives me hope is seeing how younger players are stepping up alongside experienced ones. The team's defensive rotations have improved noticeably compared to last season, with their defensive rating improving from 102.3 to 98.7 according to my tracking—though I should note these are my personal calculations rather than official statistics. Their ball movement has been crisper too, with assist numbers up approximately 17% from the previous season based on my analysis of their first eight games.
From my perspective as both a fan and analyst, the key to Siena's comeback potential lies in maintaining this offensive balance while tightening their late-game execution. I've noticed they tend to struggle in the final five minutes of close games, with their field goal percentage dropping to around 35% in these crucial moments according to my charting. This is where McCollum's emergence as a clutch performer becomes so valuable. Having a player who wants the ball in critical situations and actually delivers changes everything—it lifts the entire team's confidence and gives them a legitimate chance in every close game.
The coaching staff deserves credit for implementing strategic adjustments that play to the team's strengths. I've been particularly impressed with their decision to increase the tempo, pushing their possessions per game from 68.2 last season to approximately 71.4 this year based on my calculations. This faster pace suits their personnel perfectly, especially given their depth in the backcourt. While their frontcourt still needs development, I've seen promising signs from freshman Michael Eley, who's shown flashes of being a reliable secondary scorer.
What really excites me about this team is their resilience. Earlier in the season, they might have folded under pressure, but recent performances suggest they're developing the mental toughness needed for a postseason run. Their comeback from 12 points down against Quinnipiac last week demonstrated this growth perfectly. I've charted their performance in games where they trailed by double digits, and their winning percentage in such situations has improved from 22% last season to nearly 40% this year according to my tracking.
Of course, I have concerns too. Their rebounding remains inconsistent, particularly on the defensive glass where they're allowing opponents too many second-chance opportunities. The injury to key reserve Jared Billups has tested their depth, forcing younger players into larger roles sooner than anticipated. Still, I believe these challenges are surmountable, especially if the coaching staff continues to make smart rotational decisions.
As we approach the heart of the conference schedule, I'm more bullish on Siena's prospects than I've been in several seasons. The pieces are there for a legitimate comeback story—emerging stars, improved depth, and strategic adjustments that are paying dividends. While they might not be the favorites to win the MAAC tournament, I'd put their chances at around 25-30% based on what I've seen, which is significantly higher than most analysts projected before the season. The Saints have shown they can compete with anyone in the conference, and with continued development, they could absolutely make some noise when it matters most.
Having followed this program through its ups and downs, I can sense something different about this year's team. There's a chemistry developing that you can't quantify with statistics, a belief growing with each close game. While the path won't be easy, I genuinely believe this could be the season Siena basketball returns to relevance. The foundation is there, the talent is improving, and most importantly, they're showing the heart necessary to complete a meaningful comeback. For the first time in years, I'm excited to see how the rest of this season unfolds.
