1. Quinnipiac Bobcats (23-3, 15-0 MAAC), First in the MAAC
Previous three games: W 85-74 vs. Iona, W 80-62 @ Marist, W 88-85 (OT) vs. Canisius
A much different 18-point victory against Marist than the first matchup, but the Bobcats will take the road win. Then on Senior Day on Sunday, Canisius played the perfect game and it took a 27-foot, 3-pointer by Jasmine Martin to send the game into overtime. Quinnipiac prevailed.
Next three games: Thurs. 2/19 vs. Saint Peter’s, Sun. 2/22 @ Iona, Tues. 2/24 @ Manhattan
2. Marist (16-9, 12-4 MAAC), Second in the MAAC
Previous three games: W 63-49 @ Canisius, L 80-62 vs. Quinnipiac, L 70-65 vs. Niagara
The loss to Niagara leaves Marist in a state of bewilderment. The Red Foxes are just 5-3 since a 7-1 start in league play. Sydney Coffee should return in time for action in Albany.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 vs. Niagara, Mon. 2/23 @ Fairfield, Thurs. @ Saint Peter’s
3. Fairfield (12-13, 11-5 MAAC), Tied for third in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 66-56 @ Niagara, W 43-26 vs. Manhattan, W 61-58 @ Canisius
If the Stags remain in third place heading into the MAAC tournament, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were in the championship game.
Next three games: Sat. 2/21 vs. Siena, Mon. 2/23 vs. Marist, Thurs. 2/26 @ Iona
4. Iona (14-11, 11-5 MAAC), Tied for third in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 85-74 @ Quinnipiac, W 67-65 @ Saint Peter’s, W 57-50 vs. Siena
Almost defeating Quinnipiac, then surviving against Saint Peter’s; this team does not make sense. Damika Martinez closes in on the all-time MAAC women’s basketball scoring record and will have a career in the WNBA.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 @ Marist, Sun. 2/22 vs. Quinnipiac, Thurs. 2/26 vs. Fairfield
5. Niagara (12-13, 8-8 MAAC), Fifth in the MAAC
Previous three games: W 66-56 vs. Fairfield, W 64-59 (OT) Siena, W 70-65 @ Marist
A win at Siena, at Marist and against Monmouth moves the Purple Eagles into the fifth bye. The win at Marist on Valentine’s Day was the first time in over five years Niagara defeated Marist. A team who only lost by three points to Quinnipiac should feel really good heading into the last two weeks of the regular season.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 vs. Monmouth, Sun. 2/22 vs. Rider, Tues. 2/24 @ Canisius
6. Rider (10-16, 7-9 MAAC), Tied for sixth in the MAAC
Previous three games: W 54-49 vs. Saint Peter’s, W 65-55 @ Monmouth, W 65-40 vs. Manhattan
A team that started 0-6 in MAAC play has jolted up the standings. A three-win week has Broncs just one game out of a bye.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 @ Canisius, Sun. 2/22 @ Niagara, Thurs. 2/26 vs. Quinnipiac
7. Canisius (8-17, 6-10 MAAC) Tied for eighth in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 63-49 vs. Marist, L 61-58 vs. Fairfield, L 88-85 (OT) @ Canisius
Canisius played near perfect basketball, yet still could not close out the game against Quinnipiac. They are far better than their record shows, but also can’t hide from a recent five-game tailspin.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 vs. Rider, Sun. 2/22 vs. Monmouth, Tues. 2/24 vs. Niagara
8. Siena (14-11, 7-9 MAAC), Tied for sixth in the MAAC
Previous three games: W 65-58 vs. Monmouth, L 64-59 (OT) vs. Niagara, L 57-50 @ Iona
The Saints are now on the outside looking after not being able to take care of Niagara on their home floor. Thursday’s game is a must-win against the worst team in the conference.
Next three games: Thurs. 2/19 @ Manhattan, Sat. 2/21 at Fairfield, Fri. 2/27 vs. Canisius
9. Monmouth (10-15, 6-10 MAAC), Tied for eighth in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 65-58 @ Siena, L 65-55 vs. Rider, W 64-56 vs. Saint Peter’s
A tough week for the Hawks is only followed up by a long trek to Buffalo. Things do get easier when they return to West Long Branch.
Next three games: Fri. 2/20 @ Niagara, Sun. 2/22 @ Canisius, Thurs. 2/26 vs. Manhattan
10. Saint Peter’s (1-20, 3-13 MAAC), 10th in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 54-49 @ Rider, L 67-65 vs. Iona, L 64-56 @ Monmouth
Ummm…the loss to Iona really hurts. It would have been one to hang their cap on. Saturday should be a really good game. Jokes.
Next three games: Thurs. 2/19 @ Quinnipiac, Sat. 2/21 vs. Manhattan, Fri 2/26 vs. Marist
11. Manhattan (2-22, 1-14 MAAC), 11th in the MAAC
Previous three games: L 68-58 vs. Saint Peter’s, L 43-26 @ Fairfield, L 65-40 @ Rider
Eleven-game losing streak. Period.
Next three games: Thurs. 2/19 vs. Siena, Sat. 2/21 vs. Saint Peter’s, Tues. 2/24 vs. Quinnipiac
