Senior Tremmell Darden averages 17.8 points vs. Marist over his three-year career.

NIAGARA UN., N.Y. -- The Niagara University men’s basketball team (13-6, 7-3) meets two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents for the first time this season when the Purple Eagles face Marist (5-14, 3-7) Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Gallagher Center and then Fairfield (12-8, 5-4) Saturday at 3 p.m.

Niagara enters the contest on a winning note after claiming victory for the first time in 15 ties at Iona. The Purple Eagles beat the Gaels, 97-91, Feb. 1.

Marist will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak. The Red Foxes lost to Rider, 63-59, Jan. 31.

Niagara leads the all-time series with Marist, 7-6, and the Purple Eagles have a two-game winning streak in the series.

The game will not be televised but can be heard live on WJJL (1440 AM) or on Niagara University’s official website at www.PurpleEagles.com.