Sacred Heart’s historic run to the MAAC title last season has left fans wondering: can they do it again? Sitting at 4-2 on the season, the defending champions have already taken a tough loss in conference play to Canisius, which has raised some eyebrows. But with plenty of season left, are they still the team to beat in the MAAC, or are there new contenders ready to dethrone them?
Sacred Heart (4-2, 0-1 in conference)
Sacred Heart’s defense has been rock solid, ranking 10th in the country in defensive efficiency. But after their 10-8 loss to Canisius, there are real questions about their ability to stay on top of the MAAC. Their offense, while effective, needs to step up in conference play. Sacred Heart is still a formidable opponent, but with a loss already in the books, they’ll need to prove they can handle the pressure.
Manhattan (3-3, 1-0 in conference)
Manhattan is quietly making a push in the MAAC, sitting at 1-0 in conference play. Their 3-3 record shows a balanced team, but they still need to find that next gear if they’re going to make a deep run. They’ve got strong defensive numbers, and if their offense gets clicking, they could be a serious threat to Sacred Heart’s title defense.
Marist (3-3, 1-0 in conference)
Marist is another team to watch in the MAAC. They’re sitting at 1-0 in conference play with an overall 3-3 record. They’ve had a few struggles but have proven they can compete with the best. They’ll need to clean up their offensive consistency if they want to take down teams like Sacred Heart, but Marist could definitely spoil the party for anyone expecting a smooth title defense.
Canisius (1-7, 1-0 in conference)
Canisius is having a tough season overall but don’t let that fool you—their 10-8 win over Sacred Heart proves they can take down the big dogs. They’re 1-0 in conference play, and while their overall record may be grim, they’ve got the upset factor working in their favor. Canisius isn’t out of the running just yet, and they’ll be hungry to prove they’re not just one-hit wonders.
Quinnipiac (1-5, 1-0 in conference)
Quinnipiac hasn’t had the season they hoped for, sitting at 1-5 overall, but they managed to get off to a strong start in conference play. If they can build on that early momentum, they might just surprise some people. They’re going to need to clean up their offensive issues, but a strong finish in the MAAC isn’t out of the question.
Siena (2-3, 0-0 in conference)
Siena hasn’t played many conference games yet, but they’re still very much in the mix. With a 2-3 record, they’ll need to get on track quickly to make a serious push for the title. Their success will depend on how they perform in upcoming conference matchups. Look out for them to shake things up.
Mount St. Mary’s (2-5, 0-1 in conference)
Mount St. Mary’s has had a rough start to the season, and with an 0-1 start in conference play, they’ll need to turn things around fast if they want to make an impact. They’ve shown they can compete at times, but consistency has been an issue. Still, they’re not out of the race yet, and a strong second half could put them in the mix.
Merrimack (1-5, 0-1 in conference)
Merrimack has had a tough road so far, sitting at 1-5 and 0-1 in conference play. While their defense has been decent, their offense needs to find its rhythm if they want to keep pace with the rest of the MAAC. Their chances for a deep run are slim unless they can turn things around quickly.
Iona (1-7, 0-1 in conference)
Iona has struggled this season with a 1-7 overall record and a 0-1 mark in conference play. They’ll need a major turnaround to become competitive in the MAAC, but anything is possible. Right now, though, they appear to be on the outside looking in.
The MAAC’s Future Outlook
While Sacred Heart is still the team to beat, the MAAC is shaping up to be wide open this year. With teams like Manhattan, Marist, and even Canisius showing that they can compete at the highest level, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Sacred Heart will need to find a way to bounce back from their loss to Canisius and prove they can repeat as champions. But don’t count out the rest of the conference—they’re all still in the mix for a title shot.
Can Sacred Heart defend their crown, or will another team rise to claim the throne? The MAAC tournament is sure to be exciting, and the race for the championship is far from over. Keep an eye on this conference—anything can happen!
