ALBANY, NY - Two-time defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular Season Champion Siena Basketball officially begins its quest for a three-peat when the Saints host Manhattan in the conference-opener Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Times Union Center. The matchup marks the Saints' lone home tilt during a seven-game stretch, and final contest at the Times Union Center in 2021. 

Tickets to the MAAC opener start as low as just $10 for adults (service fees apply if purchasing through Ticketmaster), and can be secured by clicking the corresponding link, in-person at the Times Union Center Box Office (opens at 10 a.m.), or by contacting Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000. Siena has transitioned to mobile tickets this season, which are the safest, easiest, and most flexible and convenient way to both utilize and transfer tickets. Fans can learn more about Siena's mobile ticketing, including training videos and an F.A.Q section, by logging onto sienasaints.com/mobiletickets. The Siena Fan Relations Management Center is ready to handle any and all ticket inquiries, and can be reached by phone at (518) 487-2202, by e-mail at sienatickets2@siena.edu, or online at sienasaints.com/tickets.

Siena's spectator policy for men's basketball home games at the Times Union Center reflects the current New York State Department of Health COVID-19 health and safety guidance for large-scale indoor events of 5,000 attendees or greater. Fully vaccinated individuals must present proof of full vaccination status through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass upon entering the Times Union Center. Full vaccination status is defined as having completed the COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the date of the game. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated spectators aged five or older must present proof of a negative PCR test result collected within 72 hours of the game, or a negative antigen test collected within six hours of the game, upon entering the arena. Unvaccinated children under the age of five may accompany an adult who has provided either proof of full vaccination status or a recent negative test result. Masks are strongly recommended for fully vaccinated individuals, and mandatory for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated fans can secure a rapid test at the Times Union Center for $20 courtesy of Central Ave Pharmacy. Testing is open from 3-7 p.m. in the Terrace View Room, which can be accessed by entering from the third level of the parking garage, and results are provided in 15 minutes. Spectators can pre-register for a test in advance at rxalbany.com/tu.

Siena (2-5) heads into its regular season title defense on a high note following an impressive 83-67 victory at Army West Point on Tuesday. The Saints, who entered play averaging just 59.5 points over their first six games, erupted for 55 points on 57% shooting in the second half alone. Siena embarked upon a decisive 23-2 run spanning 6:45 midway through the second half to overcome a 10-point first half deficit. 

The Saints will now aim to carry over that momentum to MAAC play tonight, as they look to out-perform their preseason poll prediction of eighth. Siena has finished tied for second or better in the MAAC Standings in each of the previous three seasons, while achieving a league-best 38-16 (.704) record during that time. The Saints are an impressive 22-10 (.688) all-time in MAAC openers, including a stellar 24-8 (.750) in MAAC home-openers. 

Meanwhile Manhattan (5-1), predicted to finish seventh in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, is also looking to build off a hot start to their season. The Jaspers rank 22nd nationally in turnovers forced (18.2) and 25th in steals (10.0), while also leading the MAAC in field goal percentage (.479) and scoring defense (60.8). Marquette transfer Jose Perez stands third nationally averaging 7.3 assists. 

Siena and Manhattan meet for the 106th time, with the Jaspers holding a slight 55-50 edge in the all-time series. However, the Saints have won six of the past seven matchups overall, and have captured 17 of the previous 19 meetings between the MAAC rivals in the Capital Region. 

Robert Lee and Kelly O'Donnell have the call of the action on ESPN3, which can be accessed by clicking the corresponding link, on smartphones and tablets via the ESPN app, and on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. All 13 Siena home games this season will be broadcast on either ESPN3 or ESPN+, with all home games beginning with the Jan. 2 matchup vs. Canisius also simulcast locally on Capital Region television on My4 Albany.
 
Pregame coverage tips off at 6:30 p.m. locally on Talk1300 AM and 98.7 FM with Emmanuel Berbari and Andy Grazulis '92 on the call. Complimentary online audio of the broadcast can also be accessed by clicking the corresponding link.
 
Social media updates will be provided courtside throughout the day by following the Saints' official twitter page @SienaMBB. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #MarchOn. Upload pictures of yourself and your friends enjoying the game through the Selfiefinder platform by clicking the corresponding link at the top of the page, or by downloading the Selfiefinder app and searching "Siena." The best selfies from the game will be displayed on the video scoreboard during the first timeout of the second half.