LOUDONVILLE, NY – The highly anticipated rematch between the past two MAAC Tournament Champions has been selected for a primetime slot on national television. ESPN and the MAAC have announced that the showdown between Siena Basketball and Iona, set for Friday, Feb. 11 at MVP Arena, has been flexed to a nationally televised broadcast on ESPNU, with tip-off moved to 9 p.m.
 
The Siena-Iona matchup was selected as part of the MAAC's Wildcard Game format, which allows ESPN to pick a MAAC game scheduled for any one of the conference's four "Wildcard" Fridays to air on ESPNU. The format provides both the MAAC and ESPN the flexibility to showcase the league's best matchups as the season progresses. The Saints upcoming tilt vs. Marist on Feb. 18 at MVP Arena is also under consideration to be flexed to ESPNU, with that day's selection to be announced in the near future.
 
The rematch between Siena and Iona will feature the MAAC's two most successful programs. The Saints and Gaels rank 1-2 all-time in MAAC history in conference victories, regular season championships, and tournament titles. Siena stands second in all three categories despite joining the MAAC eight years after Iona, as well as Fairfield, Manhattan, and Saint Peter's, whom the Saints rank ahead of.
 
Two-time defending MAAC Regular Season Champion Siena snapped Iona's run at four straight MAAC Tournament titles by securing the conference crown in 2019-20. Winners of two straight, the Saints have improved to an even .500 at 8-8 overall, and are currently situated third in the MAAC Standings with a 5-3 league mark.
 
Defending MAAC Tournament Champion Iona defeated Siena 74-57 in the first meeting between the programs this season on Jan. 25 in New Rochelle. Led by Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, the unanimous MAAC preseason favorite Gaels currently possess an 18-3 overall record including a perfect 10-0 mark in conference action. Winners of seven straight, Iona received six votes in this week's AP Top-25 Poll.
 
Siena continues its season-long four-game homestand Tuesday when they host Canisius at 7 p.m. at MVP Arena.