NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Western New York Big 4 schools have announced the men's basketball slate among the programs on Monday. The Purple Eagles women's basketball Big 4 dates were also announced.

Both Niagara programs tip-off the 2017-18 season at St. Bonaventure on Nov. 10 as part of a doubleheader with the women's game starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men's game at 8 p.m. NU women defeated St. Bonaventure, 65-43, in last season's opener for their first win in the series since 2006. NU men played St. Bonaventure last season as part of the Big 4 Basketball Classic at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo and will be making only their third trip in the last eight seasons to Olean.

On Nov. 29, the NU men will welcome the Buffalo Bulls to the Gallagher Center for the second consecutive season. The Purple Eagles, who lead the all-time series 56-32, opened last season's schedule against the Bulls. The NU women host UB on Dec. 18 in an all-time series knotted at 18-18.

Niagara's annual meetings with Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius will be announced by the MAAC.  The Purple Eagles men swept last season's series for the first time since the 2011-12 season, while the NU and Canisius women teams have met in the MAAC Tournament First Round in the last two appearances.  

Head coach Chris Casey will be in his fifth season leading the program. The Purple Eagles return eight letterwinners from last season, including the entire starting five – Matt Scott, Kahlil Dukes, Chris Barton, Marvin Prochet and Dominic Robb. Scott, a two-time All-MAAC Third Team selection, finished last season fifth in the MAAC in scoring (17.0 ppg), sixth in rebounding (7.0 rpg) and seventh in steals (1.4 spg). Dukes set the program's single season free throw percentage record (92.1%) and finished the season tied for fifth in the nation. Robb broke the program's single season block record with 74 to lead the MAAC. Prochet was third on the team in scoring and rebounding while setting career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, assists, field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Barton started in 21 games last season and was second on the team in field goal percentage (45.1%). Top returning reserves are guards Kevin Larkin and James Towns while forwards Greg King and Kierell Green will make their debuts as Purple Eagles after redshirting last season. NU added three newcomers to the team in Dominik Fragala, Greg Kuakumensah and Keleaf Tate.

Jada Pierce returns for her third season as head coach of the Purple Eagles women's basketball team. Niagara returns 11 from last year's squad, including redshirt-senior forward Victoria Rampado, who led the MAAC in scoring with 16.8 points per game and was an All-MAAC Second Team honoree. Other notable returners include senior forward Kaylee Stroemple, who averaged 13.0 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game, and sophomore guard Morgan Baughman (6.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg). Paige Mosley (Clemson) and Diona Johnson (Davidson), who red-shirted the 2016-17 season, will be eligible to compete this season. The Purple Eagles also welcome two newcomers to the team; forward Emerald Ekpiteta and guard Claire Wanzer.

For ticket information, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286 TIXX, tickets@Niagara.edu or www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.

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