SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When Siena looks back on this season, one possible theme could be “if only we took better care of the ball.” Although turnovers were a season-long problem for the Saints, and far from their only one, it was particularly acute on Saturday in their season-ending 74-62 loss to Niagara in the MAAC Tournament.
Siena turned the ball over nearly 15 times a game this season, while forcing less than 11 per game. In Saturday’s loss, they gave it away 20 times to Niagara, a team that thrives on forcing turnovers, with ten each half. Niagara turned them into 32 points, but that was only half the story. The other half is what the lost possessions meant on Siena’s end.
When Siena took care of the ball, they often scored, especially in the second half. They shot 50 percent from the field, including over 57 percent in the second half, and were 9-16 on three-pointers. The Saints didn’t this much of the season – they shot 40 percent on the year, including less than 34 percent on three-pointers – but they did on Saturday and it hurt when they were within striking distance and couldn’t get closer. Turnovers basically snuffed out rallies.
It would have helped more considering the Saints would have been able to get the ball to O.D. Anosike for more chances. Anosike closed out his career with another double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, but he did so going 6-8 from the field. The Saints would normally want more than just eight field goal attempts, especially if he only gets to the line three times like he did.
The offense starts with the point guard. Evan Hymes made a splash last season coming in as a guy who flew well under the radar and had one of the most productive freshman seasons in program history. This year, his numbers regressed, including giving the ball away four times a game, which is third in the country. He had more turnovers than assists. This time around, he entered the season other teams’ radars after he was well under the radar in high school, and he didn’t fare as well. Next season will be crucial to see what kind of player he turns out to be.
Hymes says he can see signs of hope, as does Rob Poole. But replacing Anosike will be difficult because of his work on the glass as well as what he opened up on the perimeter. Imoh Silas is talented and can defend and rebound, but offense is another story. Davis Martens will return, but he won’t make anyone forget Anosike.
“We’re really young, so I think we can come back next year,” said Poole.
With the season over, speculation is sure to be rampant about Buonaguro’s job status. He has one year left on his contract and the program hasn’t gone anywhere during his tenure after great success under predecessor Fran McCaffery. The Saints have been hit hard by questionable eligibility rulings and injuries, but this year was supposed to be a step in the right direction. Instead, they tied a program record with 24 losses. While this team is young – Anosike is one of just three upperclassmen on the roster – youth alone doesn’t explain everything.
There will be a lot of looking back on the season in the program. That will occur as they review Buonaguro, and as the staff looks back on the team, turnovers will be one item that should stand out. In their last game of the season, they certainly did.
