~ Saturday’s game at Hartford will be one of two road games for the Purple Eagles in the month of December. The second road game will be at Quinnipiac on Dec. 22.
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Juan'ya Green earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors on Monday. Green averaged 30 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game and 1.0 steals per game.
~ Green’s 19.1 ppg is second in the nation amongst in freshmen and 41st in the nation. In the conference, Green leads all freshmen and is second in scoring.
~ NU had all five starters score in double-digit versus Buffalo for the first time since Jan. 5, 2009 when NU defeated Loyola, 82-70.
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Scooter Gillette scored a career-high 12 points in Niagara’s last game.
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Antoine Mason played in a career-high 38 minutes and tied a career-best with eight rebounds versus Buffalo.
~ Niagara committed a season-low eight turnovers in its last game against Buffalo.
~ Green has scored in double figures in every game this season. Mason has scored in double figures in eight out of nine games.
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Ameen Tanksley had career-highs in points (15) and rebounds (12) versus Fairfield for his first-ever double-double. It was Niagara’s first double-double this season and the first since Anthony Nelson (Feb. 27, 2011).
How To Tune In
NU fans can listen live to all the action from “The Voice of the Purple Eagles” Todd Callen. The matchup can be heard live on WBEN 930 AM. Internet listeners can listen free online through Purple Eagles All-Access.
Home Run
Niagara will play six of its eight December games at the Gallagher Center. The Purple Eagles hosted Fairfield and Iona, who were picked second and first, respectively, in the preseason poll. NU will also face local rivals Buffalo and St. Bonaventure (Dec. 30) as well as CAA power Drexel (Dec. 13) and UMBC (Dec. 28).
Green Amongst Nation’s Top Scores
Juan’ya Green is averaging 19.1 ppg to rank 41st in the nation in scoring and is second amongst freshmen. Green’s 88.2 free throw percentage is tied for 67th in the nation.
Starters Double Figures Scoring
All five starters notched double figures scoring in NU’s setback to Buffalo on Dec. 7: Green and Jordan (16), Mason (13), and Gillette and Tanksley (12). It was the first time every starter had double-digit in points since Jan. 5, 2009 when the Purple Eagles has a season-high six players in double figures in a win over Loyola (82-70).
On The Court
Hartford Hawks (0-9, 0-0 AE)
Hartford is winless on the season through nine games. The Hawks are led by Andres Torres (9.4 ppg and 3.2 apg) and Nate Sikma (4.6 rpg).
Against the Hawks (Hartford, 5-4)
The Purple Eagles have won the last two meetings between the Hawks. Niagara and Hartford were former ECAC foes.
Last Meeting - November 29, 2008
Hartford 63, Niagara 103
PHILADELPHIA - Behind a total team effort, the Niagara men’s basketball team was crowned champions of the 2008 Philly Hoop Group Classic Liberty Bracket with a 103-63 victory over Hartford. The Purple Eagles made 17 three-pointers in the win, breaking the school record which was set in 2004 against Yale.
Green Earns MAAC Rookie Honors
Juan’ya Green was named MAAC Rookie of the Week on Dec. 5. Green averaged 30 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game and 1.0 steals per game against Iona and Fairfield, who were picked one and two, respectively, in the MAAC Preseason Poll. Green broke a 33-year old school record in his first conference game on Friday against Fairfield.
