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Battle of the Birds
The Niagara Purple Eagles, who have won four of their last six games, continue their three-game road trip at Saint Peter’s on Friday at 7 p.m.

After a mid-week overtime setback to Brown, Niagara (7-8, 3-1 MAAC) returns to conference action this weekend in a tie for first place with a 3-1 record. Niagara has won its last three conference games (Loyola, Marist, Fairfield) and a win on Friday against Saint Peter’s (6-8, 1-3 MAAC) would be its longest conference winning streak since Feb.-March 2009 (four games).

The Purple Eagles swept last season series with Saint Peter’s and have won eight of the last 12 meetings, including season sweeps in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Tipoff Tidbits
~ Juan'ya Green was named MAAC Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Jan. 7. Green averaged 26 points per game, shot 65.5 percent from the field and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line.
~ Antoine Mason is the third leading scorer in the MAAC and is 53rd in the nation with 17.9 points per game. He has scored in double figures in 22 straight games.
~ Joe Mihalich is 21-8 against Saint Peter’s during his coaching career, his third most victories against one school (Loyola 25).
~ Niagara received votes (five) in this week’s College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 poll for the second time this season.
~ Ameen Tanksley set a career-high in assists with four in the 85-73 win against Saint Peter’s on Jan. 13.
~ Green moved to 53rd all-time in points (840) at Niagara. He needs 18 points to tie Richie Veith (’59) for 50th place.

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.

Green Earns First MAAC POW
Juan’ya Green was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Week on Monday for the first time in his career on Jan. 7 after leading Niagara to wins over Marist and Fairfield. Green averaged 26.0 points per game while shooting a blistering 65.5 percent (19-for-29) from the field and 92.3 percent (12-for-13) at the free throw-line line and led the team with 4.0 assists per game and 3.0 steals per game. In the Fairfield win, Green led all scorers with a season-high 31 points, which is the most by a Purple Eagle this season, for his fourth career 30-point game. Green’s game-high 12 free throws tied a career-best and are the most this season for NU.

Double Figures Scoring
Antoine Mason has scored in double figures through the first 15 games this season and in 22 straight games dating back to last season. Mason’s streak to open the season is the longest since backcourt teammate Juan’ya Green started last season scoring in double figures in the first 18 games. Mason’s 21 straight games streak is the longest since Charron Fisher completed the feat 53 straight times from 2006-08 (all 29 games in 2007-08). 

On The Court
Saint Peter’s Peacocks (6-8, 1-3 MAAC)
Saint Peter’s has lost three of its last four games heading into Friday’s night contest. Desi Washington lead the Peacocks in scoring with 15.6 ppg with teammates Yvon Raymond (10.9) and Blaise Ffrench (10.5) also averaging in double figures.

Against the Saint Peter’s (Niagara leads 44-28)
Niagara’s 44 wins are fourth most against a conference opponent. The Purple Eagles have had winning streaks of 12 games (2000-05) and six games (2006-09). Niagara swept the season series last year for the first time in three seasons.

Last Meeting - February 24, 2012
Niagara 59, Saint Peter’s 56

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Freshmen Juan’ya Green and Antoine Mason helped carry the Niagara Purple Eagles to a second half comeback win against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, 59-56, on Friday at the Yanitelli Center.