The Siena Saints fell just short of a historic upset, losing 71-65 to top-seeded Duke in the NCAA Tournament First Round. Siena led for most of the game, reaching a 13-point advantage, and became the first No. 16 seed to lead by double digits at halftime against a No. 1 seed. Despite a strong performance from Gavin Doty, who scored 21 points, Duke rallied in the second half, capitalizing on a significant rebounding advantage and closing out the game with a decisive run. This marked Siena's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 16 years, showcasing their potential for future success.

By the Numbers
  • Siena led for over 28 minutes and had a 13-point lead at one moment.
  • Duke鈥檚 Cameron Boozer scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, hitting 13-14 from the free-throw line.
Yes, But

While Siena's performance was commendable, their inability to maintain the lead in the second half and struggles with shooting (24% in the second half) ultimately cost them the game. Despite holding Duke to only 39% shooting in the first half, the Saints could not replicate that defensive success after halftime.

State of Play
  • Siena has now played three times against No. 1 seeds, with a current record of 6-47 against AP Top-25 teams.
  • The Saints significantly improved their season win total, achieving their highest count since the 2009-10 season.
What's Next

Looking forward, Siena aims to build on this performance and continue developing under coach Gerry McNamara, with aspirations for deeper playoff runs in the following seasons. The team's challenge will be to translate this experience into consistent success in future tournaments.

Bottom Line

Siena's near-upset of Duke marks a significant step for the program, highlighting their competitive spirit and potential for growth. The Saints are on an upward trajectory, symbolizing hope and resilience as they build for the future.