Saints, Purple Eagles Set for MAAC Showdown Friday SANBORN, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Siena men’s basketball team will look to continue its climb in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings when it visits struggling Niagara on Friday night at Gallagher Center. The Saints (14-7) have won three straight and seven of their last nine, most recently a 69-50 home victory over Marist last Thursday. The Purple Eagles (5-15), meanwhile, have lost four of five, including a heartbreaking 71-70 defeat at Sacred Heart last Saturday. The matchup features a stark contrast in season trajectories. Siena’s balanced attack is led by guard Gavin Doty, who enters on a hot streak. Over his last eight games, Doty is averaging 19.3 points, including a 31-point outing at Iona and a 24-point performance against Fairfield. In the win over Marist, he scored 21 points in 35 minutes. Niagara will counter with forward Will Shortt, who is coming off a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds in the narrow loss to Sacred Heart. Shortt has been a force defensively, recording multiple blocks in four of his last six contests. The teams met earlier this season on Dec. 5, with Siena dominating in an 83-54 home win. The Saints have controlled the recent series, winning the last four meetings. For Niagara, the game represents a critical opportunity to halt its skid at home and build momentum before a tough February schedule. Siena aims to solidify its position near the top of the MAAC as it begins a two-game road swing, with a visit to Canisius looming on Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.