The Siena Saints (7-4) will try to defend their 25 game home winning streak on Tuesday as the St. Joseph Hawks (4-7) come into town.

After a commanding win over Rider last week, Siena enters into their second match of a four game home stand. The team appeared to be energized and focused against Rider after getting over ten days off.The Saints are tied with Missouri for 4th place for the longest current home winning streak in the NCAA. They trail Dayton and Pittsburgh by a few games, while everyone is looking up at Kansas who is riding a 49 game streak. Alex Franklin is one of only two players in the MAAC averaging 15 ppg and 8 rpg. In his first season as a starter, Clarence Jackson has made more than half of the team’s 3-pointers thus far. Last year Siena trailed St. Joe’s by 18, only to make a huge second half comeback to beat the Hawks 75-74. This season the Saints lead St. Joe’s in every major statistic this season – except for FT % – so on paper the Saints are the better team. But that’s why they play the game.

The Hawks are coming off their own extended schedule break, and have quality wins against Drexel and Boston College under their belts. Senior G Darrin Govens leads the team in scoring averaging 13.4 ppg. They are considered a perimeter-based offense and have already attempted over 200 shots from beyond the arc, hitting 33% of them. This outside mentality has hurt St. Joe’s on the glass, however, as they have been heavily out-rebounded in nearly every game. St. Joe’s does have an experienced squad as they start two seniors and two juniors.

Look out for Franklin and Ryan Rossiter having huge games in the post since 3 out of the top 4 players receiving the most playing time for St. Joe’s are guards 6′5″ or shorter. If the Saints look to take advantage of their height and athleticism by driving to the basket and not getting into a 3-point shooting match, their home winning streak should be secure.