ALBANY, NY - Siena Basketball battles MAAC frontrunner and archrival Iona in a primetime nationally televised showdown Friday night at MVP Arena. The annual "Gold Rush" game will be nationally televised on ESPNU at the special tip time of 9 p.m.
Tickets 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 MVP Arena Box Office (opens at 10 a.m.), or by contacting Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000.
Fans are encouraged to wear gold for the annual "Gold Rush" game in an effort to create a sea of gold at MVP Arena. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Gold Rush t-shirt. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the MAAC Traveling Trophy will be making an appearance at MVP Arena. Fans can take their picture with the 2022 MAAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship trophy in the MVP Arena atrium prior to tip-off, and on the concourse once the game commences.
Friday night's primetime nationally televised showdown features the MAAC's two most successful programs, and past two MAAC Tournament Champions. Iona and Siena rank 1-2 all-time in MAAC history in tournament championships, regular season titles, and conference regular season victories. The Saints have accomplished their ranking despite joining the MAAC eight years after Iona, as well as fellow current MAAC members Fairfield, Manhattan, and Saint Peter's, whom Siena ranks ahead of in all three categories.
Siena (10-9, 7-4) enters play winners of four of their last five to move into sole possession of third place in the MAAC Standings. The Saints have had four full days to prepare for tonight's rematch, after concluding a grueling six-game, 12-day stretch Sunday with a favorable 4-2 record.
Meanwhile Iona (19-4, 11-1) is looking to bounce back from its first conference setback. The Gaels saw their eight-game win streak snapped with an 80-71 defeat at Niagara Sunday. Nonetheless, Iona sits two games clear of second-place Saint Peter's and three-and-a-half games ahead of the third-place Saints entering tonight's pivotal matchup. Siena is the two-time defending MAAC Regular Season Champion and captured the 2020 MAAC Tournament Title, while the Gaels prevailed in the postseason last March.
Siena has played Iona more times (120) than any other opponent, with the Gaels holding a 67-53 all-time advantage. The programs have split their past eight matchups overall, although Iona has won 10 of the past 12 meetings in Albany. The Gaels took the first meeting between the programs this season, 74-57 on Jan. 25 in New Rochelle.
Jon Meterparel and Sean Harrington have the nationally televised call of the game on ESPNU, which is available to Spectrum subscribers in the Capital Region on Channel 370. The broadcast can also be accessed 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. ESPNU is also available on DirecTV Channel 208 and DISH Network Channel 141. Check your local listings for complete details.
Pregame coverage tips off at 8:30 p.m. locally on Talk1300 AM and 98.7 FM with
Emmanuel Berbari and Andy Grazulis '92 on the call courtside from MVP Arena. 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.
