Preview: Siena at Vermont

Vermont vs Siena: A Battle of Big East Contenders

The road to the NCAA Tournament is heating up, and two Big East contenders are set to clash in a thrilling matchup. The Vermont Catamounts, led by TJ Long's 16-point-per-game scoring average, will look to take down the Siena Saints, who boast a stout defensive unit and a formidable frontcourt.

Gavin Doty's Dominance

Siena point guard Gavin Doty has been on fire of late, averaging 14.5 points per game and dishing out 4.1 assists per contest. His ability to create for himself and his teammates will be crucial in testing Vermont's defense.

Meanwhile, Vermont's Sean Blake will look to use his quickness and agility to get past Siena's defenders and find open shooting opportunities. The Catamounts' offense has been clicking on all cylinders, with Lucas Mari providing a boost on the glass at 5.7 rebounds per game.

Three-Point Showdown

The key to this matchup will be three-point shooting efficiency. Vermont's Long and Siena's Doty both possess the ability to stretch the defense from beyond the arc. However, Siena's shooting percentages have been slightly more impressive lately, making them a threat from downtown.

Defensive Showdown

Both teams pride themselves on their defensive prowess. Vermont's defense has allowed just 64 points per game over its last five contests, while Siena's unit has stifled opponents to an average of 63 points per game during the same span.

Recent Form and Trends

Vermont comes into this matchup having won three of its last four games, including a thrilling road victory at Princeton. The Catamounts' offense has been clicking on all cylinders, with Long scoring 16 or more points in each of those victories.

Siena, meanwhile, has been on an impressive roll, winning five straight games to boost its NCAA Tournament hopes. The Saints have been stifling opponents on defense and getting contributions from their frontcourt, which features the dominant Tasman Goodrick.

X-Factor: Doty's Shooting

Gavin Doty's shooting efficiency will be the X-factor in this matchup. Can he continue his hot streak from beyond the arc to keep Vermont's defense guessing? Or can Vermont's Long and company find ways to contain him?

Tone: Anticipatory, Analytical

This game is shaping up to be a real barnburner, folks! The stakes are high for both teams as they look to secure an NCAA Tournament spot. We'll break down the key matchups, trends, and storylines leading into this thrilling matchup.

Key Matchup Breakdown:

* Long vs Doty: How will Vermont's top scorer contain Siena's hot shooting guard?

* Mari vs Goodrick: Can Vermont's big man find ways to match up with Siena's dominant frontcourt?

* Three-point defense: Which team can come out on top in the three-point shootout?

Conclusion

This matchup is shaping up to be a real showdown between two Big East contenders. The stakes are high, and both teams will need to bring their A-game to emerge victorious. Can Vermont contain Doty's hot shooting? Will Siena's defense be enough to slow down Long and company? One thing is certain: this game is going to be a thrilling ride!