NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -- Sitting in a tie for fifth place in the current Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings, the Niagara University women’s basketball team (11-8, 3-5) has an opportunity to move up when it meets Fairfield University (9-10, 5-3) for a second time this season live on ESPNU Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Dean Darling and Cecelia DeMarco will have the call for ESPNU.

The Purple Eagles jumped from eighth place to fifth with a gutsy 62-59 win over cross-town rival Canisius College Monday night.

Fairfield enters the game on a winning note after beating winless Rider, 77-63, Jan. 21.

The Stags lead the all-time series, 22-16.