On Thursday night in Greenville, the Siena Saints delivered a performance for the ages, relying entirely on five players: Justice Shoats, Gavin Doty, Brendan Coyle, Francis Folefac, and Riley Mulvey. Head coach Gerry McNamara and his staff chose not to use the bench, putting their trust in this quintet. Against top-seeded Duke, these five battled for 40 minutes, showcasing skill, determination, and heart that impressed fans and analysts nationwide.
Siena stunned the Blue Devils early, erasing Duke’s four-point lead and holding them scoreless for eight minutes. Coyle hit two three-pointers, and Folefac dominated inside with exceptional touch and footwork. By halftime, Siena led by 11 points and extended the advantage to 13 in the second half. Despite fatigue and relentless pressure, the starters continued to fight, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and cohesion.
Siena Starters’ Extraordinary Effort Nearly Topples Duke Despite Exhaustion and Injuries
Eventually, Duke’s talent proved too much. With four minutes remaining, the Blue Devils overtook Siena and secured a 71-65 win, but the Saints’ effort was remarkable considering the physical toll. The starters left the floor exhausted, drenched in sweat, and received a standing ovation from the traveling Saints’ fans. Siena’s supporters, the largest contingent among the 13 MAAC schools, celebrated a display of basketball that embodied the spirit of the program.
McNamara reflected on the effort, acknowledging the team’s unique circumstances and injuries throughout the season. Freshman Owen Schlager had been out since November, Riley Mulvey missed several weeks early due to a concussion, and the loss of Tasman Goodrick in December was significant. Key contributors from previous seasons, including Tajae Jones, Reid Ducharme, and Marcus Jackson, did not play this year.
These absences forced Folefac into a starring role, where he became a cornerstone of Siena’s strategy. His versatility on offense and defense, including guarding Duke’s Cameron Boozer for much of the game, highlighted his importance.
Siena’s Five-Starters Rally Pushes Top-Seeded Duke to the Brink of DefeatDoty also delivered a standout performance, diving for loose balls and absorbing heavy contact while maintaining a scoring presence. Fatigue set in during the final minutes, yet Doty’s effort mirrored the team’s determination. A turning point came with 17:30 remaining, when missed dunks by Mulvey and Folefac allowed Duke to initiate a game-changing run. Despite this, Doty and the Saints continued to fight until the final buzzer.
McNamara’s decision to rely solely on his starters proved wise. With a bench limited in impact, he avoided unnecessary risk against an elite opponent. “They gave us everything,” McNamara said. “Sometimes you dig a little deeper and fight it out.” His pride in the players was evident, emphasizing their courage, commitment, and dedication to each other throughout the season.
Siena’s Strategic Execution Forces Top-Seeded Duke to Fight Relentlessly for Victory
Even Duke coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged Siena’s execution, praising McNamara’s game plan and the team’s competitive readiness. “Siena had that as well as any team we’ve gone against,” Scheyer said, noting how the Saints’ defense and resilience forced Duke to exert maximum effort. Siena’s performance reflected both strategic preparation and sheer willpower, highlighting the coaching staff’s skill and the players’ discipline.
The Saints’ season-long perseverance, despite injuries and roster limitations, culminated in a near-upset that drew national attention. McNamara expressed pride in his team, their representation of the school and community, and the energy they brought to the gym after their MAAC Championship and Atlantic City preparation. This game exemplified Siena basketball at its finest: fearless, disciplined, and united.
In the end, while the scoreboard favored Duke, Siena’s players and coaching staff achieved something far greater than a single victory. They showcased teamwork, resilience, and determination, proving that heart and preparation can push even the best teams to the brink. McNamara’s pride and the Saints’ performance will remain a defining moment of the season, celebrating the spirit of college basketball and the extraordinary effort of five starters who gave everything for their school.
