Mike McMahon - The Record

ALBANY - There's no hiding that Siena has struggled under coach Mitch Buonaguro, in terms of record.

Even after the Saints 66-63 victory over Manhattan on Friday evening, the team is just 33-51 in Buonaguro's three seasons as head coach of the Saints. 

Don't count Jaspers coach Steve Masiello among those who think Buonaguro hasn't done a good job.

“I respect Mitch so much," Masiello said following the game. "I think he's done a terrific job with his team. He's had some tough things happen this year, little injuries. He's managed his ball club as well as anyone in this conference. His kids are in every game. They compete, they're a class act and I'm just really impressed by the way he has his team playing.”

Siena has won three of its last four home and four of its last seven overall and Masiello says Siena is playing as well as anyone in the conference.

“I think Mitch Buonaguro's doing a terrific job with his team. I thought they were very well-prepared.”

Buonaguro's record hasn't been great, but he's knocked off the Jaspers five of the eight times, including twice in the postseason. 

“I thought they outplayed us tonight,” said Masiello.

Masiello's team did a good job slowing down O.D. Anosike, the Saints' leading scorer and rebounder on Friday, but it was the other guys who beat them.

“Their role players beat us and that's the sign of a good coach and that's the sign of a team that's growing," said Masiello.

He ended his press conference by saying, “You guys have a good one in Mitch.”