The Niagara Purple Eagles and the Canisius Golden Griffins meet in college basketball action from the Koessler Athletic Center on Friday night. Who comes out on top in Friday’s college hoops MAAC-tion? Let’s dive in and find out with our Niagara vs. Canisius Prediction.
Niagara Team Preview
The Niagara Purple Eagles come into this one looking to build on back-to-back wins after an 80-66 win over Quinnipiac last time out. Ahmad Henderson II leads the Purple Eagles in scoring with 12.9 PPG while Braxton Bayless has 11.4 PPG with 2.7 APG. Luke Bumbalough and Yaw Obeng-Mensah each have 10 PPG to round out the group of double-digit scorers for Niagara so far this year, with Bumbalough adding a team-high 3.2 APG while Obeng-Mensah has 4.9 RPG. Harlan Obioha has 9.8 PPG with a team-high 7.8 RPG to lead the Purple Eagles on the glass as well on the year. As a team, Niagara is averaging 74.9 PPG on 47.7% shooting from the field, 37.5% from three and 77% from the foul line this season.
Canisius Team Preview
The Canisius Golden Griffins come into this game looking to build on a 73-64 win over Siena last time out. Tre Dinkins leads the Golden Griffins in scoring and assists with 15.2 PPG and 3.6 APG while Siem Uijtendaal has 13.7 PPG with 3.6 RPG. Frank Mitchell has 13.1 PPG with a team-high 11.3 RPG to lead the Golden Griffins in rebounding this season while also capping off the scoring in double figures for Canisius up to this point in the year. As a team, Canisius is averaging 71.9 PPG on 44.2% shooting from the field, 34.9% from three and 64.2% from the foul line this season. Canisius will face Mount St. Mary’s after this game.
Canisius Golden Griffins Team Facts
- Canisius has won each of its last six night games at Koessler Athletic Center.
- Each of Canisius’ last four games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
- Canisius has won the first half in five of its last six night games at Koessler Athletic Center.
Niagara Purple Eagles Team Facts
- Niagara has won each of its last eight road games.
- Four of Niagara’s last five night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 133 or fewer points.
- Niagara has won the first half in each of its last four night games at Koessler Athletic Center.
Niagara vs. Canisius Prediction
I’m on Niagara here. The Purple Eagles have been really good on the road in conference play up to this point and while Canisius has been able to pick up wins here and there, the Purple Eagles have been playing some of the best basketball in the conference and have put themselves in a good spot to challenge for the conference regular season title. Niagara’s proven that they can get it done on the road and I think they do it again here. Give me Niagara.