The second week of the season saw the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) teams pick up steam. Most teams picked up a win during the week, and there is seemingly a gap starting to form between the top and bottom of the conference. While things aren’t set in stone yet and conference play hasn’t started yet, some teams have looked like they’ll have stronger seasons than others.
Team of the Week: Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers
In a really tough week, which saw multiple teams achieve winning streaks, Mount Saint Mary’s comes out on top due to having a tougher schedule and a wider margin of victory.
This week, the Mountaineers beat Bucknell, 93-89, on Nov. 13 and St. Francis University (Pa.), 66-58, on Nov. 16.
The team has a really interior-focused offense, relying on their taller-than-average roster to get inside and score. The team can also guard the perimeter, causing teams to have an average 27.48% 3-point shooting percentage.
The other teams in contention for the award this week were the Rider Broncs, who also went 2-0 in much closer games, and the Siena Saints, who went 1-1 this week.
Player of the Week: T.J. Weeks Jr., Rider Guard
A member of the other undefeated team this week, Weeks averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Broncs. Despite not leading the team in scoring in both games, he was one of two Broncs to score in double figures for both games, as well as average above five in another stat.
Other players to be considered for the award this week were Weeks’ teammate Flash Burton, Siena guard Justice Shoats, Iona guard Dejour Reaves, Siena center Peter Carey and Mount Saint Mary’s forward Jedy Cordilia.
Game to Watch for Week 3: Merrimack Warriors vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Wednesday, Nov. 20
While this won’t be the most competitive game this week, this will be Merrimack’s biggest test as a member of the MAAC.
Merrimack is currently 1-2 against opponents that are worse than the Scarlet Knights but have a chance to make the game close. Rutgers has seemingly underestimated smaller schools like St. Peter’s and Monmouth, allowing them to have closer games than expected.
While Rutgers is not a mid-major school, they are certainly a team to look out for, with 2025 NBA Draft prospects Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey being their leading scorers.
Whether Merrimack makes the game close or the game is a blowout, it’ll certainly be one to watch for fans of the MAAC this week.
