Highly-Anticipated Matchup Between Niagara Purple Eagles and Saint Peter's Peacocks in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

Game outlook

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will showcase a highly-anticipated game between the Niagara Purple Eagles and the Saint Peter's Peacocks. Both teams have performed well in their league, with Niagara holding a record of 10-10 and 6-4 in the MAAC, while Saint Peter's has achieved an impressive 11-7 overall record and 7-2 in the MAAC. In their last games, Niagara suffered a close defeat in overtime against Manhattan as 9.5-point home favorites, while Saint Peter's secured a road victory against Siena, covering as 9.5-point road favorites. The teams have previously met this season, resulting in Saint Peter's grabbing a 72-67 win on the road. With the upcoming game scheduled for 7:00 EST at the Yanitelli Center in Jersey City, Saint Peter's is considered the betting favorite with the opening line at -5, but it has since shifted to -4.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Purple Eagles +165 | Peacocks -195

Spread: Purple Eagles +4 (-110) | Peacocks -4 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 133 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Saint Peters will win straight-up is 66%.

Niagara Purple Eagles

The Niagara Purple Eagles had a rocky start to the season, losing six of their first seven games. However, they have turned things around with a 10-10 overall record. Their recent success includes winning three of their last four games, even on the road against tough opponents like Mount Saint Mary's and Rider. The conference they play in, MAAC, is expected to receive only one bid to the NCAA Tournament, so their seeding in the standings is crucial. Currently, Niagara is ranked 4th in the conference. In their most recent game, guard Braxton Bayless stood out with 21 points off the bench, although they ultimately lost. Leading their scoring is Ahmad Henderson II, a freshman guard who stands at 5'9 and averages 13.5 points per game. He has shown his scoring abilities with impressive performances against Mount Saint Mary's and Siena. The team's offense is well-balanced, with their next three top scorers averaging between 11.6 and 10.6 points per game. Senior guard Braxton Bayless contributes 11.6 points per game and has had notable performances against Manhattan and Iona. Yaw Obeng-Mensah, a 6'7 senior, is their top interior player, averaging 10.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Luke Bumbalough, a 6'1 senior guard, is their best shooter with 41 made threes on 39.4% shooting from deep and adds 10.6 points per game. According to KenPom rankings, the Purple Eagles are currently ranked 274th in the nation. Offensively, they rank 116th in efficiency but struggle defensively, ranking 336th. Their pace of play is ranked 166th. There are no listed injuries affecting the team currently. In terms of their overall statistical performance, Niagara is ranked 153rd in power rankings. They excel in offense, ranking 137th and scoring an average of 75.89 points per game. They have a field goal percentage of 48.08% (ranked #33), a free throw percentage of 76.60% (ranked #29), and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.13% (ranked #4 in NCAAB). However, they struggle defensively, allowing opponents to score an average of 74.42 points per game (ranked #251). Their opponents have a field 💪💪💪 @ObiohaHarlan 🟣🦅🏀 pic.twitter.com/eeapN3CLMa