Checking out the recent news between Siena and Purdue for the NCAA Tournament. Clarence Jackson is questionable, Siena getting action in Vegas, Ken Pomeroy’s Tournament Odds, Hasbrouck readying for NBA and much more!

Coach Fran McCaffery said Junior Clarence Jackson is ‘questionable’ for Friday against Purdue to the media on Monday. Kyle Downey would be the likely starter if Jackson cannot go but his Siena teammates believe Jackson will be ready. Jackson has a streak of playing in 75 straight games on the line.

Former Saint and Kenny Hasbrouck has signed a 10-day contract with the Heat. Hasbrouck is expected to be on the roster for tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs (7:30pm NBA-TV). Hasbrouck averaged 16.9 points per game in 10 games in the NBA Development League. When he steps on the court he will be the first Siena alum to play in the NBA.

Ken Pomeroy offers his Tournament Odds on the South at Basketball Prospectus. What do you notice here on his opinion of the Saints?

(13) Siena vs. (4) Purdue (Spokane: Friday, 2:30)
Boilermaker fans have to hope that a five-game sample without Robbie Hummel is not significant. Hey, it is possible, though I wouldn’t count on it. Games against two tourney entrants in Michigan State and Minnesota resulted in a total of 86 points scored by Purdue over 132 possessions (0.65 points per possession). However, games at Penn State and on a neutral floor over Northwestern are a reasonable simulation of facing Siena. And both were Purdue wins, if somewhat uninspiring ones. Despite popular opinion to the contrary, Siena is at least as good if not better than last year’s team that took out Ohio State. The possessions that Kenny Hasbrouck once ended have been used more efficiently by his returning teammates in 2010.

That’s right, Pomeroy said, “Despite popular opinion to the contrary, Siena is at least as good if not better than last year’s team that took out Ohio State.” Using his numbers, the offense regressed by 9 (from 57 to 66 nationally in efficiency) and the defense has improved by 21 (from 78 to 59 nationally in efficiency).

Gambling 911 notes that Siena was getting 80% of their action as a +4 underdog.

Sports Illustrated’s Andy Glockner gives us his take on the Saints matchup with Purdue. Meanwhile his co-worker Andy Staples, who previews the South, gives credit to Siena.

BEST PLAYER YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF: Alex Franklin, Siena

Franklin has plenty of quality NCAA tournament experience. As a sophomore, the forward started for the Saints team that upset Vandy. As a junior, he averaged a double-double in a tourney appearance that included a win against Ohio State and a loss to top-seeded Louisville. This season, Franklin leads the Saints with 16.3 points a game. He also averages eight rebounds.

Meanwhile FOXSports came out with a “teams you should avoid picking,” and Purdue tops the list.

The Indy Star examines Siena’s impact on the Albany region.

Siena is located in Loudonville, N.Y., a northern suburb of Albany. Think of Butler being located in Fishers and playing at Conseco Fieldhouse in front of 8,000 each night.

Meanwhile at the Lafayette Journal & Courier, Purdue coach Matt Painter says he’s interested in how many people will be at the game. Siena and Purdue play in Spokane, WA at 2:30pm Eastern/11:30am local time.

“When we went to New Orleans (in 2007), it kind of shocked you,” Painter said. “We were playing in an empty facility, outside of a couple of sections.

“It’s interesting going different places. Sometimes, you go into places, and the city really circles around the teams that are there. Last year, Gonzaga and Washington were in Portland. That’s different.”