MAAC Quarterfinals: Ray Floriani's Tempo-Free Analysis

The Niagara dance team in action at the Times Union Center. (Photo courtesy of Ray Floriani)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This post is part of our MAAC Tournament backlog from when Jaden Daly handled Manhattan broadcast duties.

Albany, NY – A brief look at the MAAC women’s quarterfinals from the Times Union Center. The emphasis is on tempo-free, and game one in the afternoon session gave us an impressive performance. Quinnipiac remained unblemished (21-­0) in conference, defeating Monmouth 82-­61.

In a fast-paced, to both clubs’ liking, 78-possession outing, the efficiency showed why Quinnipiac led from the first minute.

Quinnipiac 105, Monmouth 78

The key factor: Monmouth shooting a 35% eFG percentage. Hawks coach Jenny Palmateer lamented the fact her team had looks that did not fall. Credit must be given to the Bobcats’ man-to-man defense. Quinnipiac is a team that enjoys defense, has a few good three-point threats and an inside presence on offense. Little wonder why they are undefeated in the MAAC.

Scoring Leaders and OE:

Quinnipiac: Jasmine Martin 16 points, OE .357, Gillian Abshire 16 points, OE .778

Monmouth: Helena Kurt 11 points, OE .381, Jasmine Walker 11points, OE .294

“It was a great way to start postseason. We came out with a very strong first 20 minutes. The second half, they (Monmouth) cut it to eleven, but we responded.” – Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri

Siena 71, Iona 61

Another fast-paced game, at a 70-possession pace. The efficiency:

Siena 103, Iona 87

The deciding factor: Actually, there were two. Siena coach Ali Jaques emphasized getting inside and to the line. The Saints enjoyed a 33-­24 edge on points in the paint. The FT rate for Siena was an outstanding 55% to 16% of Iona. The Gaels attempted 31 of their 54 shots from beyond the arc, hitting only eight for a 26% showing. Siena also enjoyed a 41-­20 offensive rebounding percentage advantage which helped frequent those trips to the line.

Leading Scorers and OE:

Joy Adams, Iona (13 points, OE .778)

Margot Hetzke, Siena (20 points, OE .571)

Damika Martinez of Iona was held to 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

“(Tehresa) Coles held Martinez, who I think is a pro, to 12 points. She (Coles) had some weak side help but I challenged her. She wanted the defensive assignment and responded to the challenge.” – Siena coach Ali Jaques

Marist 62, Saint Peter's 57

Eight days after upsetting Marist on Senior Night, Saint Peter's almost did it again. The pace was 61 possessions, a tempo favoring Saint Peter's, who wanted to keep this a halfcourt affair. The efficiency:

Marist 102, Saint Peter's 93

The key factor: A 33­-18 edge in offensive rebounding percentage by Saint Peter's extended possessions and created second chance (10­-5 in Saint Peter's favor) opportunities. For Marist, only six turnovers, zero in the second half and a sterling 10% TO rate, significant in a game that was a one-possession contest with under a minute left.

Leading Scorers and OE:

Marist: Tori Jarosz, 19 points, OE .462

Saint Peter's: Antonia Smith, 18 points, OE .632

“What Pat (Saint Peter’s coach Coyle) has done is remarkable. The first time we played them, we were up about 40 with 11 minutes left, and I put in the walk-ons. What she has done getting this team to improve and develop as they have is remarkable.” – Marist coach Brian Giorgis

Fairfield 65, Niagara 57

A moderate 65-possession game. Interesting how the afternoon session saw two uptempo contests while the evening session saw a deliberate tempo. The efficiency:

Fairfield 100, Niagara 89

The key factor: In a game featuring six ties and seven lead changes, the numbers were very close. The one factor standing out was the 46-­33% advantage by Fairfield in FT rate. The Stags got to the line and used those trips wisely to a 74% mark. The Stags forced Niagara into a 23% TO rate but only posted a 14-­13 difference in points off turnovers.

Leading Scorers and OE:

Fairfield: Casey Smith 14 points, OE .467

Niagara: Kelly Van Leeuwen 19 points, OE .615

Van Leeuwen shot better from long distance than two-point range. She was 5-of-7 (71%) from three and 2-of-5 (40%) from inside the arc.