NIAGARA UNIV. — The Niagara University Purple Eagles men’s basketball team begin a three-game homestand against the Canisius Golden Griffins at 7 p.m. Monday at the Gallagher Center.
The legendary Gallagher Center will be the scene for the longest current rivalry in the MAAC. Niagara has played Canisius more than any other program in a series that started during Niagara’s inaugural season in the 1905-06. The Purple Eagles are 19-10 in the last 29 meetings and are 7-4 in their last 11 home encounters, but are in search of their first home win in the series since February 2012. The last meeting was an epic encounter in the 2016 MAAC Tournament First Round. The teams combined for 199 points, which this is the highest combined point total in MAAC Championship history, as Niagara fell 102-97 in the first-ever triple overtime game in tournament history.
Niagara snapped a four-game skid with last-minute win at Saint Peter’s on January 21. The Purple Eagles finished the game on a 6-0 run, including five straight from Chris Barton, in the final 1:12 to escape with a 57-55 win. Kahlil Dukes is first the MAAC and is FIFTH in the nation in free-throw percentage (.930). Dominic Robb leads the MAAC and is 18th in the nation with 2.5 blocks per game while also leading the MAAC and is 15th in the nation in total blocks (50). Robb has had at least three blocks in the last five games. Marvin Prochet is fourth in the MAAC in blocks per game (1.55). Niagara made 15 3-pointers against Monmouth on January 14. The 15 3-pointers are the most since draining 16 3-pointers at Oregon State to open the 2012-13 season. The 15 3-pointers are tied for third most in program history and are tied for the second most in the MAAC this season. Matt Scott and/or Kahlil Dukes have led the team in scoring in the last six games. Chris Barton is shooting 58.8 percent (10-for-17) from 3-pointers in conference games which is first in the MAAC. Niagara leads the MAAC in blocked shots per game (5.3), total blocks (105), and 3-point field goal percentage (.389).
After winning seven straight games, Canisius is 2-3 in its last five games including dropping its last two games. The Golden Griffins are one of the most efficient offensive teams in the conference. They lead the MAAC in scoring (81.4 ppg), field goal percentage (.463) assists per game (18.3), total assists (365) assist-turnover ratio (1.34) and 3-pointers made (192), and is second in 3-point percentage (.386) and 3-point field goals per game (9.6). Three Golden Griffins are averaging in double figures – Kassius Robertson (18.1 ppg), Jermaine Crumpton (17.1 ppg) and Phil Valenti (12.8 ppg). Kassius Roberston has proven to be a threat from behind the 3-point line as he leads the MAAC in 3-pointers per game (3.45), 3-pointer made (69) and 3-point field goal percentage (.439).
Niagara and Canisius have faced off against each other more times than they have against any other team. Niagara is seeking its first home victory over Canisius since Feb. 15, 2012, when a 60-57 overtime decision capped NU’s nine-game home winning streak in the series.
from PurpleEagles.com via IFTTT
