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The Rucker Blogby Stacey Davis
Can the Siena Saints (7-4) a small MAAC school from Loundonville, NY make another NCAA appearance?
The stage was set for the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio last season. No1 seed Louisville Cardinals(30-5) would meet No 9 seed Siena Saints(27-8). During the 1st round, Louisville beat Morehead State 74-54 and Siena outlasted Ohio State 74-72.
Siena would overcome a 12-point deficit in the second half and led by four before Cardinals Terrence Williams, would go off hitting 3s. Saint’s Edwin Ubiles (24 points) applied pressure to the Cardinals team. The stunned Louisville team would head to the bench for a time-out after Saints Clarence Jackson lay-up put the Siena team up 63-59 with 7:20 left. However, Williams would be the spoiler for the Siena team as he drove to the basket for a three-pointer. He finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Williams would make two free throws with 35 seconds left putting Louisville ahead 79-72 and derailing the Saint’s. The Saints took a crushing loss but left the game knowing that Siena was on the map. Siena had advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season after winning its fourth MAAC Tournament Championship.
So now with the 2009-10 season in swing the Saints hope to make their third NCAA appearance but who are these players who almost upset the Cardinals?
Siena senior guard/forward 6-6 240lb Edwin Ubiles last season led the Saints in a impressive win over Ohio State. Ubiles is one of the most athletic player’s in the MAAC with an explosive energy that can not be denied. Ubiles is a creative scorer who is equally effective on the perimeter and off the dribble. Ubiles is a conference Player of the Year candidate who could land an NBA draft slot.
Senior forward Alex Franklin 6-5 226lb a physical post player, who plays bigger than his size and can take over a game. Franklin can hold his own on both ends of the court against larger opponents. He is a fearless competitor that can score in a variety of ways and knows how to take his opponent off the dribble. The senior is an aggressive rebounder with great strengthen.
Senior point guard 6-0 156lb Ronald Moore is a floor general with great vision. This clutch performer knows how to take care of the ball. He is an excellent passer and defender. Moore plays with heart and passion; he excels in transition. The guard has started 61 consecutive games and is ranked fourth all-time in team history in assists.
Junior forward 6-9 234lb Ryan Rossiter was voted most improved last 2008-09 season.Rossiter is a physical presence on the floor and adds dimension to the Saints team. Rossiter is a top post player in the conference and proficient ball handler. The junior is still in the developmental stages of his game but will surprise many as the season continues.
The stage was set for the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio last season. No1 seed Louisville Cardinals(30-5) would meet No 9 seed Siena Saints(27-8). During the 1st round, Louisville beat Morehead State 74-54 and Siena outlasted Ohio State 74-72.
Siena would overcome a 12-point deficit in the second half and led by four before Cardinals Terrence Williams, would go off hitting 3s. Saint’s Edwin Ubiles (24 points) applied pressure to the Cardinals team. The stunned Louisville team would head to the bench for a time-out after Saints Clarence Jackson lay-up put the Siena team up 63-59 with 7:20 left. However, Williams would be the spoiler for the Siena team as he drove to the basket for a three-pointer. He finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Williams would make two free throws with 35 seconds left putting Louisville ahead 79-72 and derailing the Saint’s. The Saints took a crushing loss but left the game knowing that Siena was on the map. Siena had advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season after winning its fourth MAAC Tournament Championship.
So now with the 2009-10 season in swing the Saints hope to make their third NCAA appearance but who are these players who almost upset the Cardinals?
Siena senior guard/forward 6-6 240lb Edwin Ubiles last season led the Saints in a impressive win over Ohio State. Ubiles is one of the most athletic player’s in the MAAC with an explosive energy that can not be denied. Ubiles is a creative scorer who is equally effective on the perimeter and off the dribble. Ubiles is a conference Player of the Year candidate who could land an NBA draft slot.
Senior forward Alex Franklin 6-5 226lb a physical post player, who plays bigger than his size and can take over a game. Franklin can hold his own on both ends of the court against larger opponents. He is a fearless competitor that can score in a variety of ways and knows how to take his opponent off the dribble. The senior is an aggressive rebounder with great strengthen.
Senior point guard 6-0 156lb Ronald Moore is a floor general with great vision. This clutch performer knows how to take care of the ball. He is an excellent passer and defender. Moore plays with heart and passion; he excels in transition. The guard has started 61 consecutive games and is ranked fourth all-time in team history in assists.
Junior forward 6-9 234lb Ryan Rossiter was voted most improved last 2008-09 season.Rossiter is a physical presence on the floor and adds dimension to the Saints team. Rossiter is a top post player in the conference and proficient ball handler. The junior is still in the developmental stages of his game but will surprise many as the season continues.
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