In an exciting matchup this weekend, the Canisius Golden Griffins are set to take on the Marist Red Foxes in a pivotal MAAC conference game in Poughkeepsie, New York. Scheduled for 2 p.m. EST, both teams are eager to bolster their standings. This contest sets the stage for Canisius after their recent triumph, where Jaela Johnson showcased her talent with 20 points against the Sacred Heart Pioneers, securing a 67-53 victory.
The Marist Red Foxes have been formidable on their home ground, holding a strong 6-1 record. They currently stand eighth in the MAAC for assists, boasting an average of 12.4 per game, largely thanks to Jackie Piddock’s consistent performance of 3.2 assists per game. As they prepare to defend their home court, Marist’s advantage could lie in their ability to maintain control and facilitate ball movement effectively.
Canisius, with a conference record of 3-5, is striving to refine their gameplay, particularly by reducing turnovers, which is crucial for tipping the scales in their favor. Despite their challenges with 22.1 turnovers per game, their strategy when facing teams like Marist hasn't yet secured them a win when turning the ball over less than their opponents.
Both teams have their eye on the perimeter game. Marist averages 6.4 made three-pointers per game, a slight edge over Canisius’s allowance of 6.0 per game. This might present crucial opportunities for Marist to exploit, should their shooters find their rhythm.
From a performance perspective, Morgan Lee is a standout for Marist, averaging 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and contributing defensively with 1.9 blocks per game. Alongside Lexie Tarul’s surge in performance, delivering an average of 11 points in the last ten games, the Red Foxes have a balanced attack that could pose a substantial challenge to the Griffins.
For Canisius, Johnson remains a key player, not only for her scoring ability but also in her contribution to the three-point game, shooting 30.5% with an average of 1.4 made three-pointers per game. Franka Wittenberg has been an asset, particularly noticeable over the last ten games with a shooting accuracy of 50.6% and an average of 11.5 points.
The past ten games reflect different trajectories for these teams. Marist holds a 6-4 record, managing an average of 57.2 points per game, while excelling defensively with an average of 7.8 steals. Their opponents have averaged slightly less at 55.9 points. In contrast, Canisius comes in with a 3-7 record, averaging 58.6 points but permitting a higher 67.2 points against them. Their defensive strategy will need tightening if they hope to stifle Marist’s creativity.
As these two teams clash for the first time in conference play this season, fans can anticipate a fierce battle on the court. Can Canisius capitalize on their recent performance to topple Marist, or will the Red Foxes leverage home advantage to continue their strong run? This Saturday's face-off will undoubtedly provide answers, shaping the course for both teams in the MAAC standings.