ALBANY, NY – Siena Basketball begins a big MAAC home weekend when the Saints host archrival Iona in the annual Gold Rush game Friday night at 7 p.m. at MVP Arena.
 
Tickets to the Gold Rush game can be purchased online by clicking the corresponding link, in-person at the MVP Arena Box Office, or by contacting Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000. The Siena Fan Relations Management Center is on-hand to handle all ticket-related inquiries, and can be reached by phone at (518) 487-2202 or by e-mail at sienatickets2@siena.edu. For all Siena Basketball ticket-related information, log onto sienasaints.com/tickets.
 
The first 2,000 fans in attendance for the Gold Rush game will receive a gold rally towel. Fans are also encouraged to wear gold to the game in an effort to "Gold Out" MVP Arena.
 
The two most storied programs in MAAC Men's Basketball history are set to square off when Siena (3-15, 2-5) and Iona (8-10, 3-4) renew acquaintances. The programs rank 1-2 all-time in MAAC history in conference regular season and tournament championships as well as league victories.
 
The Saints return to the Capital Region to continue a stretch where they play five of seven at MVP Arena, while looking to snap a four-game home skid. Siena enters play having three of their past four games decided by five points or less.
 
Led by former Siena Assistant Coach Tobin Anderson, who served under Mitch Buonaguro from 2011-13, the Gaels return just one player from last year's MAAC Championship team in Osborn Shema. Iona leads the MAAC in fewest turnovers committed (10.9) while conversely pacing the conference in steals (9.5).
 
Friday marks the 124^th all-time meeting between the rivals, as Siena has played Iona more times than any other program. The Gaels lead the series 68-55, although the programs have split the past 14 meetings. The Saints have won three straight at MVP Arena, after Iona had captured 10 of the previous 11 in Albany.
 
Kelly O'Donnell and former Saint Conner Fenlon '12 have the call of the game locally in the Capital Region on My4 Albany as well as on ESPN+, which can be viewed by clicking the corresponding link. The final nine Siena Basketball home games will be simulcast locally on Capital Region television on My4 Albany. "The Voice of the Saints" Emmanuel Berbari and former Saint Andy Grazulis '92 will have the radio call of the game locally in the Capital Region on JAMZ 96.3 FM, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
 
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 in the second half.