- Marist holds a 13-7 conference record while Mount St. Mary’s enters at 12-8 in MAAC play
- Mountaineers’ 44.7% field goal accuracy outpaces Marist’s 41.2% defensive limit
- Red Foxes seek redemption after March 8 loss where Mount St. Mary’s prevailed 62-52
- Betting line favors Marist by 1.5 points with a 127.5 over/under
- Mountaineers won 7 of last 10 games; Marist struggles at 4-6 in same span
The MAAC Tournament ignites as Marist and Mount St. Mary’s collide in a critical semifinal matchup. With both teams boasting top-four conference finishes, this game could determine NCAA Tournament automatic bid contenders. Marist’s defense—ranked second in the MAAC for opponent field goal percentage—faces its toughest test against the Mountaineers’ efficient scoring machine. The Red Foxes’ deliberate pace contrasts sharply with Mount St. Mary’s up-tempo transition game, setting the stage for a strategic chess match.
Recent trends reveal crucial insights: Teams holding opponents under 42% shooting in conference tournaments win 73% of quarterfinal games. Marist’s ability to limit three-point attempts (28.1 per game) directly conflicts with Mount St. Mary’s reliance on perimeter scoring (34.6% of total points). The Mountaineers’ +4.2 rebound margin could prove decisive given Marist’s undersized frontcourt. NCAA data shows teams with positive rebound differentials in March win 68% of neutral-site games.
Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall provides a historic backdrop—the venue has hosted 11 MAAC Championship games since 2020. Local businesses report 23% higher foot traffic during tournament weekends, with hotel occupancy rates exceeding 92% when New York-based teams like Marist advance. This regional economic boost underscores why MAAC leadership prioritizes keeping the tournament in coastal markets through 2026.
Player matchups to watch include Marist’s Jadin Collins (3.8 APG) against Mountaineers’ defensive specialist Jedy Cordilia (1.2 BPG). The Red Foxes need Josh Pascarelli’s three-point prowess (40.6% from deep) to counter Mount St. Mary’s interior dominance. Since February, underdog teams covering the spread in MAAC night games are 9-3 against the line—a trend favoring the +1.5 Mountaineers. With both teams’ seasons on the line, expect a physical contest decided in the final possessions.