Niagara Seeks Momentum Against Mount Saint Mary’s in MAAC Clash EMMITSBURG, Md. (Interstat) — The Niagara Purple Eagles look to build on a rare conference victory when they visit the Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Friday at Knott Arena. Niagara (7-19, 4-11 MAAC) snapped a five-game skid with a 70-68 home win over Iona on Feb. 15, led by a breakout performance from guard Brian Griffith. The sophomore, a player to watch, scored 17 points in 17 minutes off the bench in that victory. He has averaged 9.2 points over his last five appearances, providing a spark for an offense that ranks near the bottom of the conference. The Mountaineers (12-15, 8-7) have been inconsistent but sit higher in the MAAC standings, coming off a 65-55 road win at Rider on Feb. 13. Their catalyst is guard Xavier Lipscomb, who leads the team in assists and has been a steady all-around contributor. Lipscomb nearly recorded a triple-double in a win over Manhattan on Feb. 1, finishing with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Mount Saint Mary’s won the season’s first meeting, 68-58, at Niagara on Jan. 19. In that game, the Mountaineers’ defense held the Purple Eagles to 32.8% shooting from the field. For Niagara, which has struggled on the road, replicating Griffith’s efficient scoring and finding secondary options behind Josiah Sabino and Vice Zanki will be critical. The Mountaineers, who have won three of their last five, will rely on Lipscomb’s playmaking and a defense allowing just 67.5 points per game in MAAC play. The game is part of a tight schedule for both teams. Niagara visits Rider on Sunday, while Mount Saint Mary’s hosts Canisius the same day.