NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
The Niagara Purple Eagles close out 2017 with a New Year’s Eve contest against the Rider Broncs on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Scene Setter
• Niagara had its conference-best three-game winning streak snapped in an overtime defeat to the Iona Gaels to open MAAC play on December 29.
• The Purple Eagles’ 7-7 record is their best start through 14 games since a 7-7 mark during the 2012-13 season, which was the last time Niagara won the MAAC regular season.
• Niagara defeated Rider, 80-67, in the last meeting between the programs for Niagara’s first home win in the series since February 11, 2012. Niagara is looking for consecutive wins against Rider for the first time since March 3, 2007 and December 6, 2007.
Tipoff Tidbits
• Two Purple Eagles – Matt Scott and Marvin Prochet – have registered double-doubles in consecutive games (Cornell and Iona) for the first time since James Mathis and Clif Brown in February/March 2006.
• Matt Scott is the first Purple Eagle with three straight double-doubles (Cleveland State, Cornell, Iona) since Bilal Benn in February 2010. His 15 career double-doubles are tied for second most in the program since the 2006-07 season.
• Kahlil Dukes was named College Sports Madness’ MAAC Player of the Week on December 26 after averaging 24.5 points per game while shooting 55 percent from the field, 45 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 12-for-12 at the free-throw line in wins over Cleveland State and Cornell. It is the second time this season Dukes earned the honor.
• Matt Scott, who is SIXTH in the nation in scoring (23.6), has scored in double figures in each game this season.
• Kahlil Dukes is FIRST in the conference in free throw percentage (.905) and is THIRD in the NCAA in career active free throw percentage (.909).
• Kahlil Dukes’ career-high eight 3-pointers at New Hampshire are the tied for most in the MAAC and tied for eighth most in the NCAA this season.
• Marvin Prochet has averaged 14.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in the last four games, including his consecutive double-doubles. Prochet leads the conference in rebounds per game (8.4).
It Takes Two
• Matt Scott (23.6) and Kahlil Dukes (21.8) are the top scoring pair in the nation. Scott and Dukes are first and second, respectively, in scoring in the MAAC. The duo is accounting for 55 percent of Niagara’s scoring.
• The duo is the only pair in the NCAA to have 11 20-point games this season, which is tied for FIRST in the NCAA.
• The tandem has scored 20-plus points in the same game eight times this season.
• The pair ranks atop of the MAAC in free throws made and total field goals made.
On The Court
Rider Broncs (7-6, 0-1 MAAC)
• The Broncs are 2-5 in their last seven games, including dropping their MAAC opener at Canisius on December 29.
• Five Broncs are averaging double figures – Jordan Allen (15.0 ppg), Stevie Jordan (14.7 ppg), Dimencio Vaughn (13.8 ppg), Frederick Scott (13.5 ppg), and Tyere Marshall (10.8 ppg).
• Redshirt-freshman guard Jordan Allen has three straight MAAC Rookie of the Week awards.
• Rider leads the MAAC in scoring margin (+2.3), steals per game (6.8) and rebounds per game (39.6).
Against the Broncs (Rider leads 23-22)
• NU snapped a three-game losing streak in the series with an 80-67 win on January 28, 2017.
• Niagara is 12-10 all-time at home against Rider. • After winning 7 out of 9 meetings from Jan. 2006-March 2009, NU has won only three times in the last 16 encounters.