Preview of Friday’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Game NIAGARA, N.Y. (Interstat) — A rematch of a one-point thriller highlights the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference slate Friday when the Quinnipiac Bobcats visit the Niagara Purple Eagles. The teams will meet at Gallagher Center in Sanborn just three weeks after Quinnipiac (18-11) escaped with a 56-55 home victory over Niagara (7-21) on Feb. 7. That result is emblematic of the divergent paths of the two programs this season. The Bobcats enter the final stretch of the season with winning momentum, despite a 79-85 loss to Fairfield last Sunday. They have won five of their last eight games and sit firmly in the upper half of the MAAC standings. Forward Keith McKnight has been a consistent force, averaging 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last seven contests. He posted 11 points and seven rebounds in the first meeting against Niagara. The Purple Eagles, meanwhile, have struggled through a difficult season, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Their most recent outing was a 62-67 defeat at Rider on Sunday. Guard Will Shortt provides a spark, coming off an 18-point performance against Rider. He recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the narrow loss at Quinnipiac earlier this month, highlighting his capability to impact the game. Quinnipiac’s offense, which features multiple scoring threats like Asim Jones and Amarri Monroe, will test a Niagara defense that has allowed 70 or more points in 10 of its last 12 games. The Purple Eagles will need to find more consistent scoring beyond Shortt and Landon Williams to keep pace. For Niagara, the game represents a prime opportunity for a signature conference upset at home and to avenge the heartbreaking loss from earlier this month. For Quinnipiac, it is a chance to solidify its positioning and build momentum ahead of the MAAC tournament. Following this contest, Quinnipiac will travel to face Canisius on Sunday, March 1. Niagara will remain at home to host Merrimack the same day. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Friday, February 27, at the Gallagher Center.