Preview: Siena Saints at Manhattan Jaspers

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Siena Saints look to rebound from a midweek loss when they visit the Manhattan Jaspers in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Draddy Gymnasium.

Tipoff is set for Jan. 17, 2026, with Siena (11-7) aiming to improve its conference standing against a Manhattan (8-11) team seeking consistency at home.

The Saints are coming off a 86-80 home loss to Sacred Heart on Wednesday, despite 18 points from forward Francis Folefac and a 14-point, 11-assist double-double from guard Justice Shoats. Siena had won two of its previous three, including a road victory at Rider.

Folefac has been a key offensive catalyst, averaging 16.3 points over his last six games. His versatility will be central to Siena’s attack against a Manhattan defense that allowed 98 points in a lopsided loss at Fairfield on Wednesday.

The Jaspers, led by guard Jaden Winston, hope to defend their home court after that 98-62 defeat. Winston has been a bright spot, averaging 16.7 points and 4.6 assists over his last seven contests. He nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and nine assists in a win over Niagara on Jan. 11 and scored 22 points in a narrow victory over Quinnipiac on Jan. 2.

Manhattan has shown it can be formidable at Draddy Gymnasium, with MAAC wins over Quinnipiac, Niagara, and Fairfield this season. Containing Winston and generating offense beyond him will be critical after the team shot poorly in the loss to Fairfield.

For Siena, maintaining momentum from its better defensive performances, like holding Mount Saint Mary’s to 50 points on Jan. 11, will be a priority. The Saints’ backcourt of Shoats and Gavin Doty, who scored 20 against Sacred Heart, will challenge the Jaspers’ perimeter defense.

This contest opens a crucial stretch for both teams as they navigate the MAAC schedule. Siena visits Fairfield next on Monday, while Manhattan travels to Quinnipiac the same day.