Niagara Purple Eagles (1-15, 0-5 MAAC) vs. Manhattan Jaspers (5-11, 2-3 MAAC)

Friday, January 16 at 7:00 P.M. ET

Live Video: B2 Networks

Live Audio: Dave Universal (Yahoo!Sports)

Live Stats: PurpleEagles.com

The Tip-Off

The Niagara women’s basketball team is set to host the Manhattan Lady Jaspers on Friday night as part of Purple Pride Weekend. The Purple Eagles swept the series last season, including winning on a buzzer-beater at Draddy Gymnasium.

Start The Clock

-  Niagara is 14-5 all-time at home against Manhattan

-  The Purple Eagles are 10-6 versus the Lady Jaspers in the month of January.

-  The Purple Eagles’ strength of schedule (SOS) is 74th; second in the MAAC.

 - Liz Flooks is 21st in the nation in free throw percentage (88.0 percent).

-  Liz Flooks and Jennifer McNamee rank third and sixth, respectively, in the MAAC in free throw percentage.

On the Court

Manhattan Jaspers (5-11, 2-3 MAAC)

The Manhattan Lady Jaspers arrive to the Gallagher Center with a two-game losing streak, both against MAAC opponents. Manhattan ranks in the middle of the pack in almost every category in the conference. Senior center Kelly Regan leads the team in both points (12.5 ppg) and rebounds (6.1); junior guard Michelle Pacheco is the only other player averaging in double-figures. Five of the next six games will be on the road.

Last Meeting - February 17, 2008, Niagara 67 - Manhattan 66

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Niagara University Purple Eagle women’s basketball team was able to slip by MAAC rival Manhattan 67-66 at Draddy Gymnasium. Down by two with only a few seconds to spare, senior Michelle Manfredi hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to clinch the victory for the Purple Eagles.

Against the Lady Jaspers (Purple Eagles lead 20-18)

Niagara holds a 20-18 lead against Manhattan since the series began in 1990. The Purple Eagles swept the season series last season with two dramatic performances. They won 69-62 at the Gallagher Center on Jan. 27, 2008 and defeated Manhattan, 67-66, on a buzzer-beater on Feb. 17. Niagara is 14-5 at home and 10-6 in the month of January versus the Lady Jaspers. Niagara is 12-1 when scoring 70 plus points, including 5-0 when reaching over 80, and is 8-1 when holding Manhattan under 60 points.

Nothing But Net

Niagara had one of its best shooting days in recent history against archrival Canisius on Jan. 4. The Purple Eagles shot a season-best 56.1 percent (24-for-41) from the field, were 11-for-15 (73.3 percent) behind the arc and shot 78.9 percent (15-for-19) from the free-throw line for their second-best free throw output since their opening game at Michigan State (10-for-10). 

Facing the Best

Niagara has consistency faced some of the best opposition this season and the stats does not lie. Niagara’s strength of schedule (SOS) is 74th entering today’s game, which is second in the MAAC; the Purple Eagles entered Jan. 9th game at No. 25 Marist with the best MAAC SOS of 59. The Jan. 9 game versus the AP Poll No. 25 Marist was the first ranked opponent at game time Niagara has faced this season. The Purple Eagles have played at Michigan State and Iowa State when both teams were unranked, but both teams have since been ranked in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll and AP Top 25; Iowa State is ranked 25th in this week’s ESPN/USA Today Poll. 

Gaining Ground Nationally

Liz Flooks’ smooth shooting touch had led to a top 25 ranking in the nation. Flooks’ 88.0 free throw percentage ranks 21th in the nation. She also leads the team and is third in the MAAC, three spots ahead of teammate Jennifer McNamee (84.9 perecent). Flooks had her consecutive streak of 27-straight free throws snapped in the loss to Marist on Jan. 3.