NIAGARA UN., N.Y. -- With the start of the New Year, the Niagara University men’s basketball team (3-7, 0-2) is looking for a new start to its season. That new start begins with a return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play Friday when it travels to Baltimore, Md., to take on Loyola College (7-3, 1-1) at 7 p.m. in Reitz Arena.

The Purple Eagles are in the midst of a five-game road swing. So far on the trip, they have a 1-2 record after losing to Troy, 87-71, in the championship game of the Duquesne Holiday Tournament Dec. 31.

Loyola is the upstart team of the league so far. The Greyhounds have lost just three games this season, including one in league play vs. Manhattan. In its most recent outing Tuesday, Loyola lost at Providence, 94-81.

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