Live Audio (Online Only) | Tickets

Exhibition
Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Robert Morris
Friday, October 27 – 7:00 PM
Location: Frank and Barbara Layden Court at the Gallagher Center
Broadcast: Niagara Sports Network (Online Audio Only) – Todd Callen

The Niagara Purple Eagles continue preparations for the 2017-18 season with an exhibition against the Robert Morris Colonials on Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 at the Gallagher Center with all net proceeds benefiting hurricane relief efforts.

Scene Setter

• Friday's game between Niagara and Robert Morris is an exhibition game with all net proceeds benefiting hurricane relief efforts. The additional exhibition game was approved by the NCAA.
• The Niagara Athletic ticket office will be accepting donations at the game and over the phone. All proceeds will be donated to United Way Greater Niagara, who will then distribute to their agencies in the affected regions of Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
• To purchase tickets or to donate funds, please call 716-286-TIXX

Tipoff Tidbits

• Head coach Chris Casey will be in his fifth season leading the program.
• The Purple Eagles return eight letterwinners from last season, including the entire starting five – Matt Scott, Kahlil Dukes, Chris Barton, Marvin Prochet and Dominic Robb.
• Top returning reserves are guards Kevin Larkin and James Towns, while forwards Greg King and Kierell Green will make their debuts as Purple Eagles after redshirting last season.
• NU added three newcomers to the team in Dominik Fragala, Greg Kuakumensah and Keleaf Tate.\
• Niagara will play one more exhibition game on Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. when the Purple Eagles host the College of Saint Rose.
• The Purple Eagles open the regular season at Little 3 rival St. Bonaventure on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.

 
MAAC Preseason Accolades For Scott, Dukes

• Senior guard Matt Scott was named to the Preseason All-MAAC First Team and senior guard Kahlil Dukes earned Preseason All-MAAC Second Team honors.
• The pair combined for an average of 32.5 points per game, which is 11th in the NCAA among returning duos.
• Scott led Niagara in scoring with a career-high 17.0 points per game, in rebounding with 7.0 per game and in steals with 1.4 per game en route to earning All-MAAC Third Team honors for the second straight season. He was fifth in the MAAC in scoring, sixth in rebounding and seventh in steals to be the only player in the league ranked in the top-10 in each category. He is the first Purple Eagle to be named to the MAAC Preseason All-First Team since the 2013-14 season.
• Dukes set the program's single season free throw percentage record (92.1%), which was previously set by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy during the 1969-70 season (88.1%), and was tied for fifth in the NCAA. Dukes was 11th in the MAAC in scoring with 15.5 points per game, sixth in assists per game with 4.1 and ninth in assist/turnover ratio (4.1).
• This is the first time since the 2009-10 season two Purple Eagles have been named to All-MAAC preseason teams.

 
NU Tabbed Fifth In MAAC Poll

• The Purple Eagles were picked fifth in the 2017-18 MAAC Preseason Poll.
• The fifth place selection is Niagara's highest since being tabbed fifth prior to the 2012-13 season.

Pura Vida

• Niagara went on a tour of Costa Rica from Aug. 13-19 to get an early start on preparations for the 2017-18 season.
• The Purple Eagles played two games against the top two teams in the Costa Rican Liga (LBS). NU defeated ARBA San Ramon (74-73) and cruised past Coopeservidores Escazu (87-59).
• As part of its tour, Niagara held a clinic for the Olimpiadas Especial (Special Olympics) San Jose chapter.

On The Court
Robert Morris Colonials

• Robert Morris was picked seventh in the 2017-18 Northeast Conference (NEC) poll.
• Head coach Andrew Toole is in his eighth season as the Colonials feature 11 newcomers and return just 23.2 percent of their scoring and 23.9 percent of their rebounding.
• Guards Matty McConnell and Dachon Burke return as starters. McConnell is the program's active leader in points, assists and steals. Burke averaged 7.6 points per game last season.

Against The Colonials

• NU trail in the all-time series, 3-1, and the two teams haven't met since the 1996-97 season.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for men's basketball updates at @NiagaraMBB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.