The Niagara Purple Eagles (6-19) visit Saint Peter’s to play the Peacocks (9-13) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Feb. 12 and can be seen on ES3.
The Peacocks come into this game hoping to repeat their last performance, defeating Quinnipiac 68-52 on Monday. Antwon Portley was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 7-for-15 shooting. The Purple Eagles, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 75-61 loss at the hands of Iona on Sunday. Niagara lost despite the best efforts of Justin Satchell, who recorded his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Matt Scott has been on fire for the Purple Eagles, averaging 22.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers over the past five games.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Saint Peter’s ranks 291st in possessions per game (67.0), while Niagara is 288th (67.1).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Purple Eagles winning the first matchup 63-61. Despite the loss, Trevis Wyche was a top performer in the game with 18 points, four rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two three-pointers.
The Peacocks are trying to improve upon their records of 9-13 Straight Up (SU) and 11-7 Against The Spread (ATS).
Across the court, Niagara has a SU record of 6-19 and an ATS record of 11-10-1.
The Purple Eagles’ win over Saint Peter’s in their last clash bumped their SU record over their most recent meetings to 7-3. The Purple Eagles also hold the advantage ATS with a record of 6-3-1. During their latest five matchups, neither team ever held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers.
Predictions: SU Winner – StPete, ATS Winner – StPete
Notes
Niagara averages 63.6 points per game, placing the team just 246th in the nation. Saint Peter’s ranks 73rd in points allowed, giving up 67.8 points per game.
Niagara scores just 62.9 points per away game (ranked 227th). Saint Peter’s ranks 63rd in points allowed at home, giving up 64.4 points.
The Saint Peter’s Peacocks average a field goal percentage of 41.6% this season. The Niagara Purple Eagles have a subpar record of 2-13 when opponents have a FG% of 41.6% or greater.
The Saint Peter’s Peacocks and the Niagara Purple Eagles both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Saint Peter’s is 296th and 289th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Niagara ranks 327th and 312th in these categories.
On average, Saint Peter’s makes 5.7 steals per game. Niagara is a poor 6-12 when it gives up at least 5 steals.
