When Ronald Moore took the court two years ago to play in his first NCAA Tournament game, he didn’t feel the least bit nervous.

Though his Siena Saints were seeded 13th and facing fourth-seeded Vanderbilt, Moore was excited. There was no reason to be tense. He couldn’t wait to play on the big stage and see just how well his years playing against professional competition had prepared him.

‘Being on that stage didn’t rattle me much at all,’ said Moore, a senior point guard. ‘Playing against my cousin and brother and working out with them and other professional players every summer made me ready to compete at that level.’

Moore grew up competing against a talented crop, so playing at the highest level for a college player wasn’t really a big deal.

His brother Chuck plays professionally overseas. His cousin, John Salmons, plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. His uncle played professionally for the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels.

A native of Conshohocken, Pa., Moore stands at just 6 feet and weighs about 160 pounds. By Division I basketball standards, he’s anything but big. Despite eating his fair share, Moore said, he has had trouble gaining any additional weight.

Despite his stature, Moore leads the nation in assists per game, averaging 7.7 per contest. He is 11th in the nation with a 2.77 assist-to-turnover ratio and has helped Siena reach national prominence during his collegiate career.

After beating Vanderbilt in the first round two years ago, the Saints fell to Villanova in the second round. The next year they returned to the NCAA Tournament and beat Ohio State in a thrilling double-overtime game in the first round. Moore hit the 3-pointer that forced the second overtime period. He then sank the game-winning 3 with 3.9 seconds remaining in the second overtime.

Though he has faced bigger guards nearly every night out during his time at Siena, Moore believes it’s his years of battling against his brother and cousin that have made him so successful.

‘I am very close with my cousin and brother, and growing up we played against each other all the time,’ Moore said. ‘They never let me win, but with their talents and competitive edge, that made me not be afraid to play against anyone I go up against.’

And the tough competition is something Moore has never shied away from.

Each summer he works out with Salmons in Philadelphia. They play pick-up and work out with numerous professional players. Not only has Moore benefited from facing pressure defense all summer, but he has put on nearly 20 pounds since stepping foot on Siena’s campus four years ago.

‘It is just a huge advantage having my cousin be in the NBA because he brings me along and lets me compete with all the guys he works out with,’ Moore said.

Thanks to his cousin, Moore has competed against guys such as the Houston Rockets’ Kyle Lowry, former Virginia star Sean Singletary and retired pro Cuttino Mobley.

Moore credits these players with making him the player he is today. Facing bigger, stronger guys every summer improved his ball-handling skills. It also made him comfortable with running a team under the distress of high-pressure defenders.

‘All the pros I play against are much bigger guys, but that has helped me the most,’ Moore said. ‘It is the reason I have that assist-to-turnover ratio and the reason I can break pressure defense pretty well.’

It is that exact ability that has earned Moore high praise.

After beating Ohio State in last year’s NCAA Tournament, the Saints faced Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals, who are known for their high-intensity full-court defense. And even though Siena could not pull off the upset, Pitino was very impressed with Moore.

‘I talked to Pitino after the game, and he complimented me and said I am a great player and will be successful,’ said Moore, who dished out 10 assists against the Cardinals. ‘That meant a lot to me and definitely motivated me to keep working hard.’

Though the Saints just lost to Metro Atlantic Athletic conference rival Niagara on Feb. 12, they are 22-5. Moore has tallied double-digit assists eight times this season and hopes his career does not come to an end any time soon.

‘I just love the game of basketball,’ Moore said. ‘I want to pursue it as long as possible and hopefully play basketball anywhere. Maybe in the states or overseas. My love for the game is really high.’

Wednesday, 6:30 pm

No. 4 Purdue at No. 9 Ohio State

Ohio State has slowly climbed in the rankings after winning nine of its last 10, including a come-from-behind four-point win at Purdue about a month ago. Purdue has also been on fire, winning seven in a row including wins against Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Ohio State 71, Purdue 68

Thursday, 7 p.m., ESPN2

No. 5 Syracuse at No. 10 Georgetown

Syracuse will be looking to avenge a tough loss to Louisville. Georgetown will be looking to bounce back after an embarrassing loss at Rutgers. The rivalry will certainly be in full force, as the Hoyas will also look to get back at the Orange after losing by 17 at the Carrier Dome.

Georgetown 74, Syracuse 70

Friday, 7 p.m.

Cornell at Harvard

After being ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in 59 years, the Big Red fell out of the rankings after a tough loss at Pennsylvania. Ivy League big-shot Jeremy Lin will have the crowd on his side this time, as he looks to lead Harvard to a big win after struggling mightily in a loss to Cornell earlier this season.

Cornell 65, Harvard 62

Saturday, 6 p.m., ESPN

No. 2 Kentucky at No. 17 Vanderbilt

Kentucky’s freshman core will have another tough test away from the comforts of Lexington. Vanderbilt is coming off wins against Tennessee and LSU after losing at Georgia. The Wildcats sit atop the SEC, ahead of Vanderbilt by one game.

Kentucky 84, Vanderbilt 77

Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS

No. 3 Villanova at No. 19 Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has only lost one game at home in the Big East and is coming off an impressive come-from-behind, overtime win against West Virginia. The Panthers’ defense is always tough, especially at home. Villanova will need a big game from point guard Scottie Reynolds to get the win.

Villanova 73, Pittsburgh 68

restern@syr.edu