Saints Look to Extend Win Streak Against Struggling Golden Griffins

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — The surging Siena Saints will aim for their fifth consecutive victory when they visit the struggling Canisius Golden Griffins in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup Sunday at Koessler Athletic Center.

Siena (15-7, 8-2 MAAC) enters on a hot streak, having won seven of its last eight games, including an 82-79 road victory at Niagara on Friday. The Saints’ offense is powered by guard Justice Shoats, who is coming off a 25-point, six-assist performance against the Purple Eagles. Over his last 10 games, Shoats has averaged 17.1 points and 4.7 assists, frequently logging near 40 minutes.

In contrast, Canisius (8-13, 3-7) has lost five of its last six, most recently a 61-55 defeat at Fairfield on Jan. 24. The Golden Griffins have struggled to find consistent scoring, failing to reach 70 points in any of those five losses. Guard Mike Evbagharu, averaging 10.3 points over his last seven contests, will be a key figure for the home team’s offense.

The Saints won the season’s first meeting decisively, 74-52, in Loudonville on Dec. 7. Siena’s current run has solidified its position near the top of the conference standings, while Canisius sits near the bottom.

Siena’s recent success has been a team effort. Alongside Shoats, Gavin Doty contributed 23 points against Niagara, and Francis Folefac added 11. The Saints have shown balance, winning close games and blowouts alike during their streak.

Canisius will need to improve its offensive efficiency and find a way to slow Shoats to have a chance at an upset on its home floor. The Golden Griffins’ last win was a 70-64 victory at Manhattan on Jan. 9.

Following this game, Siena will host Iona on Thursday. Canisius travels to face rival Niagara on Tuesday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.