Siena basketball is poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 NCAA Tournament as they prepare to face the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils on March 19 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it marks Siena’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010, a moment that brings heightened stakes for the program.
Duke enters the tournament with an impressive record of 32 wins and just 2 losses, having secured both the ACC regular season and tournament titles for the second consecutive year. The Blue Devils are riding a wave of momentum, having won 11 games in a row, with their last defeat occurring on February 7 against North Carolina. Historically, Duke boasts a strong NCAA Tournament presence, holding a 134-51 record and having reached the Final Four in the previous season.
On the other hand, Siena, with a record of 23-11, has shown resilience throughout the season. The Saints are led by Gavin Doty, who averages 17.9 points per game, a crucial factor as they look to challenge the formidable Duke squad. Siena’s scoring defense has also been noteworthy, allowing an average of 65.7 points per game.
The upcoming game has generated considerable interest, with an over/under set at 136.5 points and a spread of 28.5 points favoring Duke. This reflects the expectations surrounding the matchup, as the Blue Devils are heavily favored to advance.
However, Duke will be without starting point guard Caleb Foster, who is sidelined due to a right foot fracture. Coach Jon Scheyer has indicated that Foster’s recovery is a day-by-day process, adding an element of uncertainty to Duke’s lineup as they enter the tournament.
Despite the challenges, Scheyer remains optimistic, stating, “We’re not done yet.” This sentiment encapsulates the competitive spirit both teams will bring to the court.
As the tournament unfolds, Siena’s performance will be closely watched, not only for their potential upset against the top seed but also for the implications it holds for the future of the program. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this game could redefine Siena basketball’s trajectory.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the absence of Foster will affect Duke’s strategy, but the team’s historical prowess in the tournament suggests they will be prepared for the challenge ahead.
