Mount Saint Mary’s, Siena Women Set for New Year’s Day Matchup ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers and the Siena Saints will look to carry momentum from December into the new year when they meet in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday at Times Union Center. The Mountaineers (6-6) enter on a three-game winning streak at home but are coming off a 56-60 road loss to Merrimack on Monday. Forward Erin Edmonds was a bright spot in that defeat, posting 9 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in 24 minutes. Edmonds has been a consistent interior presence, averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds over her last four contests. Siena (4-7) closed its December schedule with three consecutive dominant victories, averaging 91.3 points per game in wins over New Haven, Central Connecticut, Niagara and Canisius. Guard Nicole Melious has spearheaded the surge, scoring 19 points in a 73-56 win at Canisius on Dec. 21 and averaging 14.5 points over the four-game stretch. The Saints’ offense will be tested by a Mountaineers defense that has held opponents to 59.3 points per game during its recent home stand. Mount Saint Mary’s has relied on balanced scoring, with Berlynn Carlson adding 11 points in the loss to Merrimack. Siena, meanwhile, has found its rhythm after a difficult start to the season that included losses to Rutgers, Albany and Army. Their recent explosion provides a stark contrast to their early-season struggles. Thursday’s contest is the final nonconference tune-up for both programs before each embarks on its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schedule this weekend. The Mountaineers host Quinnipiac on Jan. 8, while Siena travels to Iona on Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST.