Senior Alvin Cruz netted 15 points vs. American last season.

NIAGARA UN., N.Y. -- The Niagara University men’s basketball team (0-1) opens its 56th season in the legendary "Taps" Gallagher Center when it hosts American University (0-1) Saturday at 7 p.m.

The game can be heard on WJJL (1440 AM) and on Niagara University’s official sports website, www.PurpleEagles.com.

Both the Purple Eagles and the Eagles will be looking for their first win of the season as both programs lost in the first round of the 2004 Preseason National Invitation Tournament earlier this week.