Sacred Heart Pioneers Upset Siena Saints 86-80
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · MVP Arena
Sacred Heart Pioneers 86, Siena Saints 80, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Siena Saints?
Sacred Heart Pioneers beat Siena Saints 86-80 at MVP Arena on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Siena Saints?
Siena Saints were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Sacred Heart Pioneers defeated the Siena Saints 86-80 in a thrilling NCAAB matchup held at MVP Arena. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Pioneers, who were struggling with a recent six-game losing streak prior to this game. The Pioneers' performance was particularly noteworthy given their overall record of 6-13 compared to Siena's more favorable 11-7.
The game showcased a remarkable comeback by Sacred Heart, who had been averaging 69.1 points per game while allowing 72.4 in their last ten games. In contrast, Siena had been scoring an average of 68.1 points and allowing 63.8 during the same stretch. The Saints entered the game with a record of 6-4 over their last ten, but they were unable to maintain their momentum against the Pioneers.
Siena's recent form had been mixed, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, including a win against Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers just four days prior. However, they had lost to Merrimack Warriors in their previous home game. The Saints had been performing well at home, boasting a 2-1 record in their last three home games, but their inconsistency was evident as they struggled to contain Sacred Heart's offense.
Sacred Heart, on the other hand, had been in dire straits, losing six consecutive games leading up to this matchup. Their last victory was a significant win against Dartmouth Big Green, but they had not been able to replicate that success in subsequent games. The Pioneers' away record reflected their challenges, sitting at 1-4, which made their performance in this game even more impressive.
The two teams had previously met twice in the 2025 season, with Siena winning both encounters. However, this time, Sacred Heart flipped the script, demonstrating resilience and determination. The Pioneers' victory in this matchup not only broke their losing streak but also highlighted their potential to compete against stronger teams.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams suggests that they were fielding their regular lineups. The conditions in MVP Arena appeared favorable for a competitive game, contributing to a lively atmosphere that likely energized both teams.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Siena was favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 139.5. The odds reflected the Saints' stronger record and home advantage, but the Pioneers' performance defied expectations, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
As the game unfolded, key scoring plays included Antonio Chandler and Nyle Ralph-Beyer making crucial free throws in the second half, which helped the Pioneers maintain their lead. Justice Shoats and Dashon Gittens contributed with important layups that further solidified Sacred Heart's advantage. The Pioneers' ability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities was a critical factor in their success, especially in the closing moments of the game.
Overall, this matchup served as a reminder of the competitive spirit inherent in college basketball, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and secure unexpected victories. The Pioneers' win over the Saints not only boosts their morale but also sets the stage for an intriguing second half of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIE -8.5 | 139.5 o -115 / u -105 | Sacred Heart Pioneers +320 · Siena Saints -410 |
Leaders
- PointsGavin Doty20Siena Saints
- AssistsJustice Shoats11Siena Saints
- ReboundsGavin Doty12Siena Saints
- PointsAnquan Hill22Sacred Heart Pioneers
- AssistsDashon Gittens8Sacred Heart Pioneers
- ReboundsDashon Gittens10Sacred Heart Pioneers
Recent form
Siena Saints
Last 10: 6-4Streak W168.1 scored · 63.8 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W67-50at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 11
- L59-63vs Merrimack WarriorsJan 10
- W74-65at Rider BroncsJan 4
- L72-75at Iona GaelsJan 3
- L60-81at Indiana HoosiersDec 22
- L69-83at Vermont CatamountsDec 18
- W74-52vs Canisius Golden GriffinsDec 7
- W83-54vs Niagara Purple EaglesDec 6
- W64-60at Maine Black BearsNov 30
- W59-55at American University EaglesNov 29
Sacred Heart Pioneers
Last 10: 2-8Streak L669.1 scored · 72.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- L60-70vs Quinnipiac BobcatsJan 11
- L72-76vs Marist Red FoxesJan 10
- L78-82at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 4
- L61-64at Niagara Purple EaglesJan 2
- L72-80vs Merrimack WarriorsDec 29
- L47-72at Towson TigersDec 22
- W85-63vs Dartmouth Big GreenDec 19
- L82-87at UMass Lowell River HawksDec 16
- W65-49at NJIT HighlandersDec 13
- L69-81vs Iona GaelsDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 23-11 | - | 17-3 |
| Saint Peter's | 17-12 | 3 | 14-6 |
| Siena | 23-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Marist | 19-12 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Quinnipiac | 19-13 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Fairfield | 21-13 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 15-17 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Iona | 18-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Sacred Heart | 14-19 | 8 | 9-11 |
| Manhattan | 12-20 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Canisius | 10-21 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Niagara | 8-22 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Rider | 4-25 | 14 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Sacred Heart Pioneers | Siena Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-70 | 32-71 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 15-35 | 7-29 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 24 |
| Free throws | 13-13 | 9-10 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 28 |
| Assists | 22 | 21 |
| Steals | 2 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 3 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 3 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 48 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 97 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-46Antonio Chandler makes 1-foot dunk (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half51-46Dashon Gittens makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-46Mekhi Conner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dashon Gittens assists)
- 2nd Half54-48Justice Shoats makes driving layup (Antonio Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half54-50Gavin Doty makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-50Yann Farell makes 14-foot jumper (Fallou Gueye assists)
- 2nd Half58-50Abdou Yadd makes 1-foot dunk (Yann Farell assists)
- 2nd Half58-52Francis Folefac makes layup
- 2nd Half61-52Mekhi Conner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden Slaughter assists)
- 2nd Half61-54Gavin Doty makes 14-foot jumper (Isaiah Henderson assists)
- 2nd Half63-54Anquan Hill makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half63-57Justice Shoats makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gavin Doty assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Riley Mulvey makes 14-foot jumper (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half63-61Christian Jones makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half65-61Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-63Gavin Doty makes 11-foot jumper (Brendan Coyle assists)
- 2nd Half68-63Anquan Hill makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half68-65Riley Mulvey makes layup (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half71-65Mekhi Conner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dashon Gittens assists)
- 2nd Half71-67Francis Folefac makes layup (Gavin Doty assists)
- 2nd Half71-68Francis Folefac makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Francis Folefac makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Dashon Gittens makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half73-72Christian Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justice Shoats assists)
- 2nd Half76-72Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes 28-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half77-72Anquan Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Anquan Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73Christian Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Christian Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-76Antonio Chandler makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half79-76Yann Farell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-76Yann Farell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-77Antonio Chandler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-78Antonio Chandler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-78Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Nyle Ralph-Beyer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Justice Shoats makes driving layup
- 2nd Half84-80Dashon Gittens makes layup (Mekhi Conner assists)
- 2nd Half85-80Anquan Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-80Anquan Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Siena Saints, below favours Sacred Heart Pioneers.
Venue
- MVP ArenaAlbany, NY
- Attendance4005
- OfficialsCarl Luciano, Tim Smith, Vasili Mallios
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond