NIAGARA UN., N.Y. -- With a bunch of teams now jammed up in the middle of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings, the Niagara University men’s basketball team (11-11, 6-5) looks to rise above the mess when it hosts Manhattan College (11-10, 8-3) Friday at 7 p.m. at the legendary Taps Gallagher Center.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU with Doug Sherman and Rob Kennedy calling the action. The contest will also be live on Niagara University’s official sports website, www.PurpleEagles.com, and on WJJL (1440 AM).

The Purple Eagles enter the game on a losing note, falling at Fairfield, 68-56, on Jan. 28.

The Jaspers beat Marist Monday night at home, 75-74.

Friday’s game is the 62nd meeting between the two teams, and Manhattan leads the all-time series, 42-19.