How a March Madness Cinderella Story for the Ages Slipped Away From Siena
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Siena nearly engineered one of the biggest upsets in NCAA men's tournament history by holding a double-digit lead over No. 1 overall seed Duke for much of their game before a pivotal 13-second sequence shifted momentum.
- A missed dunk opportunity by Siena's Riley Mulvey led to a fast-break dunk by Duke's Isaiah Evans, sparking an 11–0 run that cut Siena's lead to two and ultimately swung the game in Duke's favor.
- Despite injuries and a depleted roster, Siena's "Iron Five" played nearly the entire game with remarkable resilience, showcasing a competitive spirit and strong team chemistry under coach Gerry McNamara.
- The Saints' impressive performance ended their 15-year tournament drought and earned McNamara the Syracuse head coaching job, signaling a likely roster overhaul for Siena next season.
- Siena's near-upset highlighted the enduring allure of March Madness, where underdog teams can challenge powerhouse programs, creating memorable moments regardless of the final outcome.
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