In March, analysts and fans alike rely on adages and cliches when looking for sneaky upsets or favorites primed for lengthy runs. Aside from the customary No. 12 over No. 5 seed upset or picking teams that are strong from the free throw line, a common tale is the importance of experienced guard play. Marist has found success without said guard play.
The Red Foxes’ backcourt is instead patrolled by the freshman guard tandem of Josh Pascarelli and Jadin Collins.
Marist leaned on them throughout the season; Collins started every game, and Pascarelli only came off the bench in two. The duo combined to score nearly 20 points, three assists, and almost seven rebounds a night, proving to be steady contributors in their first year in Poughkeepsie.
Marist’s experience at the guard position comes from its depth, specifically sophomore Isaiah Brickner, who averaged 23 minutes a game, third amongst guards behind the freshmen. Though only a freshman at the time, Brickner played a huge role for Marist in last year’s MAAC Tournament run to the championship. Brickner controlled the offense as the point guard while acting as the second option on offense to Patrick Gardner, who averaged 21 points and 9.5 boards in four tournament games.
Though being the only Red Fox named to a Preseason All-MAAC Team, Brickner has only started four games, missing time due to a lingering back injury. Brickner remains a presence off the bench, but Pascarelli and Collins solidified their starting roles.
The young Red Foxes passed their first test Thursday with the 65-59 win over Niagara. Collins put on a show against the Purple Eagles, scoring 20 while recording four assists and five steals, the last of which led to two free throws from graduate student forward Javon Cooley to ice the game. He dominated the second half, scoring 14 points on a perfect seven-for-seven shooting display.
“It starts with [head coach John Dunne] believing in me and telling me to be aggressive and take what’s open,” said Collins.
Collins did just that, staying on the attack after halftime to captain Marist’s 15-point come-from-behind victory in a different, intense environment to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
“It’s not just those two being ‘college ready’ to play,” said Dunne. “When they were hitting a wall and having subpar moments throughout the year, the other guys, who are ready to step in and compete, lift them up.”
Pascarelli by no means harmed the team in his first MAAC Tournament game. He scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds, added an assist and finished with a plus-seven rating, but took a backseat during Collins’ career night. Pascarelli earned MAAC All-Rookie Team honors, while Collins was left off.
“Jadin [Collins] is a top-five freshman in this league, 100%,” said Dunne.
Next up, the Fairfield Stags, who Marist recently defeated in front of a rocking McCann Arena crowd. Collins’ big night in his postseason play debut leaves Marist two games away from their first-ever MAAC title and a birth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987.
Edited by Jaylen Rizzo and Marley Pope
Photo from Jaylen Rizzo
For more coverage of Marist athletics, follow @cfmarist on Instagram, X and TikTok, and sign up to receive daily alerts here.
