JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Saint Peter's men's basketball team (12-8, 9-3 MAAC) is looking for a bounce-back week after falling to Rider on Sunday. The Peacocks have their first matchups with Manhattan (9-15, 5-8 MAAC) and Siena (16-7, 9-3 MAAC) as they hope to move up in the MAAC standings.
Saint Peter's first travels to Draddy Gymnasium in Riverdale, N.Y. to play the Jaspers on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. ET. The Peacocks then have a day of rest before competing against Siena at Run Baby Run Arena on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. The game against the Saints is Saint Peter's Alumni Day, which you can register for
here.
Brent Bland has continued to lead the charge for the Peacocks, averaging 14.6 points this season which ranks 10th in the conference. He's getting the job done on the defensive end as well with 2.5 steals per game.
ABOUT THE MANHATTAN JASPERS
The Jaspers currently sit 10th in the MAAC and are coming off a tough 65-72 loss to Mount St. Mary's on the road. They have a much better record at home this season, however, with a 6-4 mark. Manhattan has won two of its last three home games with victories over Niagara and Rider.
The Jaspers are led by 6-0 junior guard Jaden Winston, who has made his impact felt all year. He averages 15.2 points, 3.8 assists and three rebounds per game. Winston's season-high in points came against USC when he dropped 29. He has reached double-digit points in all but five games this season.
Manhattan is coached by John Gallagher, who is in his third season as head coach of the Jaspers.
ABOUT THE SIENA SAINTS
The Saints have been the hottest team in the MAAC as of late, winning their last five games. In the process, they've defeated Manhattan (away), Fairfield (home), Marist (home), Niagara (away) and Canisius (away). Siena now ranks second in the MAAC, jumping Saint Peter's and trailing behind Merrimack.
The Saints have a two-headed monster in Gavin Doty and Justice Shoats. Doty is averaging a team-high 16.6 points, to go along with his 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game. Shoats has also been a key player in Siena's success, recording 13.7 points, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Siena is coached by Gerry McNamara, who is in his second season as head coach of the Saints.
NOTES
This will be the 131st meeting all-time between Saint Peter's and Manhattan…The Peacocks are 61-69 all-time against the Jaspers and 20-31 against them on the road…this will be the 103rd meeting all-time between Saint Peter's and Siena…the Peacocks are 54-48 all-time against the Saints and 35-18 against them at home.
