Keys, Prediction For ‘Albany Cup’

I join the rest of the Capital Region in saying that I'm extremely excited for the 'Albany Cup' game tomorrow between Siena and UAlbany. The Saints are the home team. They come in at 6-4 while UAlbany is 7-3. Here are the keys to the game and the prediction:

What: The Albany Cup

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Times Union Center

Keys to the Game: 

1. Tempo: If this game is in the 80s, Siena wins. If it's in the 50s or 60s, then UAlbany wins. Siena will want to push the ball. They are scoring at a great clip this year (78.4 ppg). They have four players in double-figures. If the game becomes a track meet, it's in Siena's favor. On the other side, UAlbany can score as well. They average 75.3 ppg, but that is greatly by a huge output against D-III Oneonta. UAlbany holds opponents to 64 ppg and will look to slow the ball down. If the game gets played at their pace, they win.

2. Frontcourt Depth: Siena will have two great interior players in Javion Ogunyemi and Brett Bisping. UAlbany has been relying on a foursome down low, but it's unknown whether Richard Peters and Travis Charles will play. If they don't, Siena has the edge. UAlbany needs Greig Stire and Mike Rowley to stay out of foul trouble.

3. Peter Hooley's Play: Peter Hooley hasn't been scoring like he usually does for Albany. He's averaging 10.2 ppg (still third on the team), but his shooting percentages have taken a dip (33 percent from the floor, 15 percent from three). He has the ability to get hot and give Albany another dimension to their offense.

Prediction: UAlbany has won the last three 'Albany Cup' games. I think UAlbany is the better team and I think they'll go further in the America East than Siena will in the MAAC. But, with the questions surrounding the frontcourt availability, I think Siena breaks the streak on Saturday. I'll go Saints 78-71.