March Madness has always been a stage where dreams collide with reality, where underdogs dare to challenge giants and history is rewritten when least expected. For the No. 16-seeded Siena Saints men’s basketball, the opportunity to face the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball in the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is not just another game—it is a chance to believe, compete and possibly shock the world.
Historically, the odds have never favored a No. 16 seed. Since the NCAA tournament expanded to a 64-team field in 1985, No. 16 seeds have faced No. 1 seeds 160 times. Out of those matchups, only two teams have managed to pull off the seemingly impossible victory. Those rare moments serve as powerful reminders that in March Madness, nothing is completely out of reach.
One of those unforgettable upsets happened in 2018 when UMBC Retrievers men’s basketball stunned the basketball world by defeating the top-ranked Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball 74–54. It was the first time in tournament history that a No. 16 seed defeated a No. 1 seed, a moment that instantly became one of the most iconic shocks in college basketball.
Five years later, lightning struck again. In 2023, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights men’s basketball defeated the heavily favored Purdue Boilermakers men’s basketball in a thrilling 63–58 victory. That game reminded everyone watching that even the biggest favorites can fall when the pressure of March Madness sets in.
For Siena, those historic victories represent something far greater than statistics—they represent possibility.
Just days after securing their spot in the tournament with a hard-fought victory over Merrimack Warriors men’s basketball in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game, the Saints gathered to watch the bracket reveal. When it was announced that they would face Duke in Greenville, South Carolina, the team showed excitement rather than fear.
At the heart of Siena’s confidence is sophomore guard Gavin Doty, who delivered an outstanding performance during the MAAC tournament and earned the Most Valuable Player award. Doty embodies the fearless mindset that has fueled the Saints’ remarkable season.
“Call me delusional, but I believe we can win in March,” Doty said after the team’s championship victory.
For him and his teammates, the size of the school or the reputation of their opponent does not determine the outcome of a basketball game. Siena, a smaller institution in Loudonville, New York, may not have the national spotlight that Duke enjoys, but once the ball is tipped, every player on the court has the same opportunity to compete.
“They lace them up the same way I do,” Doty said confidently during the team’s March Madness watch party at the UHY Center. “We’re not ready to go home. We’re going down there to win some games.”
The Saints’ belief has been strengthened by the leadership of their head coach, Gerry McNamara. McNamara understands the pressure and excitement of March basketball better than most. As a player for the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball, he helped lead the team to a national championship in 2003 and built a reputation as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.
Now in his second year as Siena’s head coach, McNamara has helped orchestrate a remarkable turnaround. After finishing the 2024–2025 season with a disappointing 14–18 record, the Saints rebounded dramatically this year, posting a 23–11 overall record while capturing the conference title and earning their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010.
One key factor behind the turnaround has been roster continuity. Returning players such as Doty, senior guard Justice Shoats, and senior forward Brendan Coyle provided the experience and chemistry necessary to build a winning team.
According to McNamara, assembling the right mix of talent and character was crucial.
“We believed we had one of the best frontcourts in the league to go along with our backcourt,” McNamara explained. “But talent alone isn’t enough. You need the right personalities, the right chemistry, and players who are willing to work together. This group has both character and talent, and they’ve proven that all season.”
Defense has been the foundation of Siena’s success. During the MAAC tournament, the Saints held their three opponents to an average of just 57.7 points per game, demonstrating discipline, toughness and strong team coordination. In the championship game against Merrimack, Siena forced difficult shots and created long scoring droughts that ultimately secured the victory.
However, the challenge awaiting them in the tournament will be unlike anything they have faced this season.
Duke enters the matchup with elite talent, including standout freshman Cameron Boozer, widely projected to become a top NBA draft pick. The Blue Devils are known for their speed, size and explosive offensive capabilities, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
McNamara knows that slowing Duke down will require one of the best defensive performances his team has ever produced.
“We’re going to watch as much film as possible to see if there’s any weaknesses,” McNamara said. “But honestly, they’re incredibly talented. Our defense has to be at its absolute best. If we let them run in transition and attack the basket freely, it could be a long night.”
Offensively, Siena must focus on executing the fundamentals—protecting the basketball, running effective pick-and-roll plays, and making smart shot selections against Duke’s towering defense.
Preparation will be critical. McNamara and his coaching staff are working tirelessly to design strategies that could give Siena an edge.
“We’ll have a plan, and then another plan if that doesn’t work,” he said. “And another one after that. These guys are extremely talented, so we just have to prepare the best we can.”
Now, the celebrations from their conference championship have faded, replaced by intense preparation. Practices have become sharper, film sessions longer, and the focus stronger as the Saints prepare for their “David versus Goliath” showdown in Greenville.
The Saints understand the magnitude of the moment. Duke is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. But for Siena, the goal is not simply to participate in March Madness—it is to compete fearlessly.
And if history has taught college basketball fans anything, it is that miracles can happen in March.
With belief, preparation and determination on their side, the Siena Saints are stepping onto the national stage with one clear mission: to prove that even the biggest giants can fall.
As Doty put it, “They’re one of the most legendary programs in college basketball. But we’re building something special here. It’s March Madness. Anything can happen—and we’re ready to shock the world
