NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -- With the start of the New Year, the Niagara University women’s basketball team (1-10, 0-2) is looking for a new start to its season. That new start begins with a return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play this week. The Purple Eagles return to the friendly confines of the legendary Taps Gallagher Center when they host Marist College (6-4, 2-0) Thursday at 7 p.m. and then Siena College (6-5, 2-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Purple Eagles concluded a mind-boggling six-game road swing and their non-conference schedule with an 80-56 loss at Vermont.

Marist enters its annual trip to Western New York riding a six-game winning streak. Siena had a five-game winning streak snapped with an 86-82 overtime loss to Dartmouth Monday.

Thursday’s game will be broadcast tape delay on Adelphia Cable on Saturday at 4 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. and Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. Both contests can also be heard live on PurpleEagles.com and fans can e-mail questions to the Frank Gallo during the broadcast at nubroadcast@yahoo.com.