ALBANY, NY – The coveted two-seed for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament is back on the table. Gavin Doty led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds as Siena Basketball bounced back with a pivotal 72-63 triumph over Saint Peter's in front of 6,113 fans for the annual Gold Rush game at MVP Arena.
 
The crucial victory drew Siena (19-10, 12-6) even with Saint Peter's (15-11, 12-6) for second place in the MAAC Standings with just one weekend of action remaining in the regular season. The top-two seeds get an extra day of rest in next month's MAAC Tournament.
 
While the teams split their regular season series, the Peacocks hold the tiebreaker over the Saints with just two games remaining by virtue of their victory over regular season champion Merrimack. Following Sunday's results, Siena is still a half-game clear of fourth place Marist, and now one ahead of fifth place Quinnipiac in what is setting up to be a frenetic finish next weekend.
 
Antonio Chandler continued his sensational play down the stretch with his second straight double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Saints, which improved to a perfect 7-0 on Sundays and 11-1 in day games overall.
 
Bryce Eaton recorded 17 points, six assists, and four steals for Saint Peter's which has dropped three of four. Reserve Lucas Scroggins added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Peacocks which fell to 3-10 away from Jersey City.
 
Siena never trailed in securing a statement win. The Saints made the most of their opportunities at the free throw line in the first half, connecting on 18-21 (86%) to secure a 37-23 lead at the break. Siena finished with a season-high 28 made free throws.
 
Saint Peter's never got closer than eight in the second half, and the Saints went on a 12-2 run to open an 18-point cushion with 10:34 remaining. Siena ultimately led by as many as 20 as the home team won for the 23^rd time in the past 27 matchups in the series.
 
Reserve Riley Mulvey contributed career-highs of 13 points and nine rebounds in a spirited effort, while Justice Shoats rounded out the double figure scorers for the Saints with 10 points.
 
Siena concludes its gauntlet of six straight against the other top-six in the standings to close out February when the Saints travel to Fairfield for another increasingly important tilt Friday at 7 p.m. in Connecticut.
 
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.