Game Day: Siena (0-2)

Throughout the history of sport, there have been certain rivalries that transcended the game, match-ups that define generations, withstand the test of time and will live on for eternity.  Red Sox – Yankees, Duke – North Carolina, Auburn – Alabama, Palmer – Nicklaus, Maple Leafs – Canadians, Ali – Frazier.  Four years ago, a new pair was added to this list, as an age old rivalry dating back to 1939 was brought to the forefront of the sports world – St. Bonaventure vs. Siena… “The Franciscan Cup.”   Although Wednesday night’s game will mark only the 5^th time the Bonnies and Saints have squared off with the “Cup” up for grabs, make no mistake, the rivalry between these small Catholic Universities has been oozing with passion as far back the Great Depression.

The foothills of Allegany and the outskirts of Albany respectively, are where these two teams call home.  There are no football programs, no glitz and glamorous downtown hotspots.  Rather, the students of each school show their spirit for the teams on the court from November - March.

Both teams are undoubtedly the highlight of their athletic programs and both have had their share of success.  For Bonaventure, the Golden era of course (60s and 70s) and more recently, a conference championship and NCAA Tournament birth in 2012.  For Siena, Coach Fran McCaffery guided the Saints to wonderful success, highlighted by a four year stretch from 2007-2010 where the Saints won 97 games and captured three straight conference titles (’08-’10).  While Siena has been experiencing a lull in their program over the past few seasons, new head coach Jimmy Patsos has revitalized the Saints leading them to a 20 win season and a CBI title a year ago. Despite his team entering Olean tired, bruised and battered from an 0-2 start and a trek into Western New York, you can bet the Saints will come ready to play in this one. On the home front, Mark Schmidt and his club will try to take back the cup for the first time, having relinquished the hardware for the first time last year after winning the first three installments of the Cup.  The Bonnies have the advantage on paper in terms of talent, rest and preparation….but will they show up for 40 minutes to take back the cup?