HAMDEN, CT – Reigning MAAC Regular Season Champion and preseason favorite Quinnipiac opened the game on a 24-2 run and led by as many as 31 in the first half in a 72-53 decision over Siena Basketball at M&T Bank Arena.
 
MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Amarri Monroe and Paul Otieno both posted double-doubles for Quinnipiac (8-8, 4-1). Monroe tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals while Otieno, the MAAC leader in double-doubles, rebounding, and blocks, added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
 
Justice Shoats led all players with 17 points and five assists for Siena (7-9, 2-3) which shot just 30% from the field. Major Freeman added all 16 of his points in the second half, highlighted by five threes.
 
The Bobcats came out gangbusters to win their fourth straight in the series. Quinnipiac opened a 20-point lead just 6:49 in, before building as big as a 39-8 advantage at the 5:17 mark. The Bobcats, which entered the day ranked 12^th worst nationally in field goal percentage, shot 59% in the opening stanza while out-rebounding the Saints 22-7 to take a commanding 43-15 lead at the half.
 
The Siena offense came to life in the second half, and a 16-6 run rallied the Saints back within as close as 15 at 55-40 on a highlight reel dunk by Shoats with 11:27 to go. But Siena couldn't get any closer.
 
Khaden Bennett (14 points) and Jaden Zimmerman (13) also scored in double figures for the Bobcats who were +17 on the glass and held a 38-14 advantage in points in the paint.
 
Siena has the league bye Sunday and will have six days to prepare for its next MAAC matchup. The Saints return to the Capital Region to host Sacred Heart next Thursday at 7 p.m. at MVP Arena in the first meeting between the new MAAC foes in 50 years.
 
This postgame recap is proudly presented by The Brothers that just do Gutters, a proud partner of Siena Athletics. Trust the team that always comes through – on the court and for your home.