MAAC Opening Night: 1 quick thing for each game

Opening night is just about here. Read on for one thing to look out for in every MAAC team’s opening game

Quinnipiac vs. St. John’s

The Bobcats led by as many as eight points in the first half at Carnesseca Arena last season on the back of five 3s by Ryan Mabrey. Quinnipiac went on to lose by 20, much because of Amarri Monroe’s 0-for-9 performance.

With Penn State projected to be one of the worst high-major teams in the country, this is an early chance for Fairfield to re-establish itself as a MAAC threat with the amount of talent on the roster. Keep an eye out for the freshman frontcourt of Brandon Benjamin and Declan Wucherpfenning, a pair that impressed during the preseason.

Former Siena head coach Jamion Christian will be coaching his first game at the helm of the Bryant Bulldogs. The Saints are also the only MAAC team to be hosting on night one of the season.

Niagara wouldn’t be the first MAAC team to go into Duquesne and defeat Dru Joyce’s team. Saint Peter’s took down the Dukes 62-59 in early December last season, even before going on to miss the MAAC Tournament.

The Flyers roster has some serious MAAC flavor. Former rookie of the year De’Shayne Montgomery is joined by two former Merrimack Warriors in Jordan Derkack and Javon Bennett. Although the two played for Merrimack’s NEC era.

Three international players will make their collegiate debuts in this game. Virginia is led by their frontcourt of Thijs de Ridder and Johann Grunloh, while Rider’s Kristupas Kepezinskas has a chance to contribute off the bench.

This is just the second road game that John Dunne is playing in his Marist tenure against a high-major opponent. The Red Foxes lost to Notre Dame in a close game on December 22, 2023.

Saint Peter’s vs. Seton Hall

Each of the last two seasons, this game has been played on opening night. Both games have been hotly contested as well. With Seton Hall staring down the barrel of another potential down season, it could be a chance for the new-look Peacocks to announce themselves to the MAAC. Although Seton Hall has Budd Clark, while Saint Peter’s does not.

South Dakota State vs. Merrimack

The only MAAC game to be played at a neutral site this week, the Warriors are traveling to Sioux Falls to take on the Jackrabbits in the Field of 68 Invitational. You can watch this game on the Field of 68 YouTube Channel. It’ll likely be a big South Dakota State crowd, as the Jackrabbits defeated eventual tournament team McNeese in this event last year.

Saint Joseph’s (Division III) vs. Manhattan

Preseason First Team All-MAAC selection William Sydnor is out indefinitely for the Jaspers while he faces eligibility strife. Sources tell Mid-Major Madness that this is not related to the gambling scandal in college basketball right now.

Merchant Marine (Division III) vs. Sacred Heart

Don’t be shocked if the Pioneers put up triple digits with six or more players scoring in double figures in this game. A Division III opponent will allow SHU to go deep into its bench and give younger players confidence.

Mount St. Mary’s vs. West Virginia

Mount St. Mary’s never shot more than 32 three-pointers last season, but in its exhibition game at Division III Hood, the Mount jacked up 45. Florida State transfer Anastasios Rozakeas made seven of his 17 attempts.

The Gaels will be one of, if not, the latest team to tip off their season. Kosy Akametu and Lamin Sabally were the two biggest surprises of summer and fall, and should each play a big role for Iona.