Jan. 30, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - The weekly Siena Basketball Coaches Show will broadcast LIVE on Thursday evening from the Serra Dining Hall on campus. The program which airs from 6-7 p.m. on WVCR 88.3 "The Saint," features men's head coach Fran McCaffery and women's head coach Gina Castelli.

This week's player guests include junior guard Kenny Hasbrouck from the men's squad and freshman guard Madel Gimpes from the women's team. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Saints' basketball games over the weekend, pending availability.

The event is free and open to the general public and will preview a big home weekend for Siena basketball which features four games in four days. The Siena men play a pair of games with first place in the MAAC standings at stake, taking on Rider at 2 p.m. Saturday before hosting archrival Marist on Monday at 7. Meanwhile the Siena women host Saint Peter's Friday night at the Alumni Recreation Center in their annual "Think Pink" game before aiming to "Pack the House" on Sunday against Marist.

Making a special guest appearance during the women's portion of the show will be North Carolina State women's basketball coaching legend Kay Yow. In December, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) teamed up with Coach Yow to form the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund to "raise money for scientific research of all cancers and its cure, and assist the underserved in the fight against cancer." Coach Yow will discuss the initiative and also talk about "Think Pink" week.

At the show their will be an "open mic" allowing fans the opportunity to pose a question to either head coach or player. Fans that are unable to attend the show can still send in their question for the broadcast by utilizing the "Ask the Coach" feature at SienaSaints.com.

Prior to the men's game Saturday, there will be an exclusive party held for Dog Pound members at Broadway Joe's with complimentary food. With the game being broadcast nationally on ESPN 2, a "Best Sign" award will be given to the student with the most creative Siena sign at the game.

Fans also can purchase MAAC 3-Game Packs prior to the game. For just $40, fans will receive a ticket to Saturday's game, plus a ticket to the game on February 16 against Loyola and on Senior Day on February 29 versus Niagara for a total savings of $21.

At Friday's women's game, the Saints will honor 16 survivors from the Capital Region Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB) in a special pre-game ceremony. All fans are encouraged to wear a pink article of clothing to the game and those who do will receive $2 off admission. On Sunday, the Saints will aim to sellout the ARC and students in attendance will be eligible to win a special Super Bowl Party Pack. Ten party packs will be given out during the game which include 50 wings, three foot long subs and soda.