Jersey City, NJ – Jersey City played host to a hard-nosed MAAC showdown as two of the conference’s top teams, St. Peter’s and Siena, went head-to-head in a physical battle. The Peacocks successfully defended their home court, securing a 70–65 victory in a game they largely controlled from start to finish. While Siena kept things competitive late, St. Peter’s maintained its composure to close out a win that underscored its toughness and poise in conference play.
Sophomore Bryce Eaton led the way for the Peacocks with a game-high 22 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-14 from the floor and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. The point guard demonstrated strong command of the offense throughout the game, showing patience and composure as he navigated through ball screens and consistently made the right read. Eaton did an excellent job of keeping the defense off balance, whether that meant delivering the ball to open teammates or attacking gaps himself. When scoring opportunities arose, he used ball screens effectively to create separation in the midrange, knocking down those looks with impressive efficiency. His ability to both facilitate and score proved pivotal in setting the tone and pace for the Peacocks’ offensive attack.
Despite the loss, Siena freshman forward Francis Folefac was a consistent problem for the Peacocks’ frontcourt. The 6-foot-7 forward, built like a linebacker, used his strength to back down defenders and convert tough finishes around the rim. He finished the night with 16 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting performance. The stat that truly jumped off the page, however, was Folefac’s seven assists. Operating from the high post against St. Peter’s zone defense, he repeatedly flashed to the free-throw line and made quick, decisive reads. When the zone collapsed on him, Folefac consistently found open teammates, creating high-percentage scoring opportunities that kept Siena within striking distance.
The win not only capped off a strong home performance for St. Peter’s but also carried added significance, as the Peacocks officially punched their ticket to the MAAC Tournament. By controlling the game’s physicality and executing when it mattered most, St. Peter’s continued to show why it remains a formidable force within the conference. As postseason play approaches, performances like this reinforce the Peacocks’ identity as a disciplined, tough-minded group capable of winning in multiple ways, while Siena can take positives from its competitive effort and the continued emergence of young contributors moving forward.
This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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