EDISON, N.J. – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has released the 2012-13 men’s basketball schedule for the 10-team league.

Niagara begins its 24th season in the MAAC at Iona on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the first game on the MAAC schedule. The Purple Eagles continue their MAAC opening road trip against defending conference champ Loyola on Dec 5.

NU opens the Gallagher Center’s MAAC slate versus Marist (Jan. 3) and Fairfield (Jan. 5). NU is back on the road to face Saint Peter’s on Jan. 11 and Fairfield on Jan. 13 and will return to the Gallagher Center to host Siena on Jan. 17 and Manhattan on Jan. 19.

A week later, NU will travel to Siena (Jan. 25) before playing at Canisius (Jan. 27) in the first Battle of the Bridge contest of the season between the men’s basketball programs. The Purple Eagles will then close out January hosting Iona (Jan. 31) and begins February against Loyola (Feb. 2).

NU steps back onto the road to play Rider (Feb. 7) before hosting archrival Canisius on Feb. 10. Niagara’s final conference road trip starts at Marist (Feb. 15) and concludes at Manhattan (Feb. 17). The Purple Eagles’ final home weekend will be against Rider on Feb. 28 and Saint Peter’s on March 2.

For the second straight season, the MAAC Championship will be held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. from March 7-11.

The men’s title game is slated for Monday, March 11 at 9 p.m. and will be aired on either ESPN or ESPN2. The conference will release the full television schedule next week.

NU returns the core of the team that advanced to the MAAC Tournament Quarterfinals. The Purple Eagles, who were the third youngest team in the country last season, will feature reigning Mid-Major Freshman of the Year Juan'ya Green and backcourt teammate and MAAC All-Rookie Team honoree Antoine Mason.

For more ticket information, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office (located at Dwyer Arena) at 716-286-TIXX (8499), tickets@purpleeagles.com or www.PurpleEagles.com/tickets.