NIAGARA UN., N.Y. -- For the first time in two years, the Niagara University men’s basketball team (0-0) opens its season in front of its home crowd when it hosts Binghamton University (0-1) Thursday at 7 p.m. in the legendary Taps Gallagher Center.

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

   The Purple Eagles, 11-18 last season, open at home for the first time since beating Youngstown State, 89-80 on Nov. 22, 2003.

   Binghamton opened its season Nov. 11, losing at Long Island, 73-59.

   Thursday’s game is just the second meeting between the two teams. Niagara won the series opener, 71-56, last year at Binghamton.