March 4, 2025 — The Marist men’s and women’s basketball teams are entering the final stretch of the regular season, with both set to compete in the MAAC Tournament next week in Atlantic City. The men are among the best the MAAC, in what has been an historically impressive season for the program. With one week until the tournament begins, the team has positioned itself for a potential deep postseason run.

The homestretch of the regular season has seen big, enthusiastic crowds inside McCann Arena, filled with fans rallying behind a team that has shown grit, determination, and championship potential, eager to see if this dream season can turn into something even bigger. There have also been two national television appearances on ESPNU.

“The atmosphere around Marist University has been great,” said sophomore guard Jadin Collins-Roberts. “We've gotten a lot of people out to the games, a lot more people have been coming. We've had a couple of ESPNU games. We're looking to win a championship, so we take it one game at a time. We have more work to do.”

Sophomore guard Josh Pascarelli. Photo Courtesy of Kira Crutcher '25/Marist Athletics.

“It's been a great year; everyone is jelling well,” added sophomore guard Josh Pascarelli. “We're a selfless team, but there's always more to improve on. We take it game-by-game each time.”

Men’s Team Hopes to Continue Making History
How good has this season been so far? The team secured its fifth 20-win season in program history after beating Niagara on February 23, giving Red Fox nation visions of a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987. 

“This group has been as connected as any group I've ever coached,” said Head Coach John Dunne. “I think they are extremely high character and are a selfless group of individuals who have consistently played for the name of the front of their jersey more so than the name of the back of their jersey. I'm proud of them up to this point, and I know we have a lot of basketball still left to be played, and hopefully we have some more good memories to come.”

“I'm really proud of the team and how far we've come since the summer when we first met,” said senior center Jackson Price. “Obviously, we have the last few weeks of the season to finish business and make the tournament, which is our ultimate goal that we set at the beginning of the season.”

Before Atlantic City, the men have two games left in the regular season; a home game against Merrimack and a road contest at Mount St. Mary’s. 

Most Wins Since 2020-21 for Women’s Team
For the women, it’s been a season of growth, with the team’s most wins since the 2020-21 season. After clinching a first round MAAC Tournament bye with a win over the weekend against Saint Peter’s, the women have two games left in the regular season: a road game at Merrimack and a senior day contest at McCann Arena against Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday. Coach Erin Doughty is looking forward to finishing the season strong before heading to the Boardwalk for the tournament, which begins with a quarterfinal matchup against Mount St. Mary's on Thursday, March 13, at noon.

“It's been a pleasure to coach this team,” said Doughty. “We've made tremendous progress this season. We're looking forward to the challenges that await us in March and the opportunity to compete in Atlantic City.”

Redshirt junior guard Lexie Tarul. Photo Courtesy of Kira Crutcher '25/Marist Athletics.

Cheer on the Red Foxes in Atlantic City!
See how you can be part of the festivities on the Boardwalk with game ticket info and more inside MAAC Championship Central!