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The Niagara Purple Eagles team will look to extend their two-game home winning streak when they host the Loyola Greyhounds on Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Niagara (9-12, 4-5 MAAC) and Loyola (14-5, 7-2 MAAC) will meet for the second time this month. The Purple Eagles outlasted the Greyhounds, 66-61, on Jan. 2 for their fifth straight win at Loyola. Current two-time reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week recipient
Antoine Mason made the go-ahead layup with 1:01 remaining as part of NU’s 9-0 run to end the game.
The Purple Eagles, who have won three of their last four games, are in search of their longest home win streak since Feb. 2010 when they defeated Canisius, Siena and Marist.
~ Niagara has won 10 of the last 11 meetings and has won 13 of the last 14 meetings at the Gallagher Center
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Joe Mihalich’s 25 career wins versus Loyola are the most against any team.
~ Antoine Mason was named MAAC Rookie of the Week for the second straight week. Mason averaged 20.5 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game and 2.5 steals per game as Niagara went 1-1 in MAAC action last week. Mason has led the team in scoring in the last three games.
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Juan'ya Green is second amongst the nation’s freshmen in scoring with 17.4 points per game. Green is second in the MAAC in scoring and minutes (36.9) and third in assists per game (4.5) and steals per game (1.7).
~ Green is vastly approaching the freshman all-time scoring record history at Niagara after passing Tyrone Lewis (‘10) for second place on Jan. 19. He needs 103 points to pass Garry Jordan (‘81) for most points by a freshman.
~ Every player recorded a steal in Niagara’s last game for the first time this season.
~ Niagara leads the MAAC and is 31st in the NCAA in turnover margin (+2.95).
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets for the game are still available. Fans can guarantee their seats by purchasing tickets in advance with no additional service fees by calling the Ticket Office at (716) 286-8499. Some tickets are still available in the chairback seats section. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.PurpleEagles.com. The Gallagher Center Ticket Office opens one hour prior to tip-off.
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 WGR 550 AM. Internet listeners can listen free online through Purple Eagles All-Access.
Green Eyeing Freshman Records
Juan’ya Green is on pace to set the Niagara freshman scoring record which is currently held by Garry Jordan who scored 467 points during the 1977-78 season. Green has 365 points on the season and needs to average at least 10 points per game for the rest of the season. Green needs 64 field goals to break Jordan’s freshman field goals record (185).
Green is also closing in on the freshman records for free throws, steals and assists. Green needs 7 free throws to tie Jordan’s 99 free throws, 17 steals to reach Ronnell Felton’s 53 steals and 56 assists to tie Gary Bossert’s total of 151 set in 1986.
Microwave Marvin
Marvin Jordan’s instant production off the bench has earned him the nickname “Microwave” by head coach Joe Mihalich. In his last six games as the first sub, Jordan has averaged 13.2 points per game and leads the team in 3-pointers (20) and 3-point percentage (.435) and free throw percentage (86.7).
Mason Claims Rookie Honors
Antoine Mason earned his second MAAC Rookie of the Week award on Jan. 23 after averaging 20.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2.5 spg at Canisius and Manhattan. Mason was named rookie of the week on Jan. 16 after pacing the Purple Eagles to a weekend sweep of Saint Peter’s and Marist by averaging 22 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.5 apg.
No Problem Assisting
Juan’ya Green has made an impact scoring, but can distribute the rock just as effective. Green, who is third in the MAAC in assists, is averaging 7.8 apg in the last four games. Green has set new career-highs in consecutive games with the latest begin an 11-assist game at Canisius which is tied for the seventh most assist by a Purple Eagles in a conference game.
On The Court
Loyola Greyhounds (14-5, 7-2 MAAC)
Loyola is 5-1 since Niagara defeated the Greyhounds on Jan. 2. Four Greyhounds are averaging in double figures, led by Dylon Cormier (15.3). Erik Etherly leads the team with 7.9 rebounds per game.
Against the Greyhounds (NU leads 34-15)
Niagara has a commanding 34-15 lead in the all-time series. The Purple Eagles have won 10 of the last 11 encounters, including winning their fifth straight at Loyola early this month.
Last Meeting - January 2, 2012
BALTIMORE – Antoine Mason’s go-ahead layup with one minute remaining helped push the Niagara men’s basketball team to a 66-61 win over the Loyola Greyhounds on Monday from Reitz Arena.
