Preview: Marist Looks to Sweep Season Series Against Siena in Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rivals Marist and Siena meet for the second time this season on Saturday at Times Union Center, with the visiting Red Foxes aiming for a regular-season sweep.

The Saints (12-16 overall) host the Red Foxes (11-18) in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup. In the first meeting on Jan. 22 in Poughkeepsie, Marist edged Siena 75-72.

Both teams are coming off road victories last Thursday. Marist defeated Saint Peter’s 48-45 behind 14 points from junior guard Justine Henry. Siena won 67-55 at Rider, led by 15 points from senior guard Valencia Fontenelle-Posson.

Henry has been a consistent force for Marist, averaging a double-double in two of her last five games, including a 21-point, 10-rebound performance in a win at Fairfield on Feb. 5. She logged 39 minutes in the recent win over Saint Peter’s.

Fontenelle-Posson, Siena’s key perimeter threat, has been more variable. After being held to one point in 13 minutes against Iona on Feb. 19, she bounced back with her 15-point outing at Rider.

The Saints have struggled at home recently, losing their last two at Times Union Center by an average of 29.5 points, including an 81-51 defeat to Fairfield on Feb. 21. Marist’s road form has been mixed, with a 109-48 loss at Fairfield on Feb. 5 but a tight 65-64 defeat at Iona on Jan. 24.

Siena holds a narrow edge in the overall season record, but the Red Foxes will rely on their recent head-to-head success and Henry’s all-around play. The Saints will look to Fontenelle-Posson to provide scoring and defend their home court as both teams seek momentum heading into the conference tournament.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.