NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY – Siena Basketball tips off its annual Western New York trip Friday night when the Saints battle Niagara at 7 p.m. at the Gallagher Center.
 
Friday night's tilt pits two of the top-three teams in the early MAAC Standings. Siena (11-5, 5-0) has won six straight to secure sole possession of first place at the MAAC quarter pole, with Niagara (9-6, 4-2) checking in a close third. The Purple Eagles have won six of eight overall, and have captured nine straight at the Gallagher Center dating back to last season.
 
The Saints look to keep rolling while also reversing their fortunes on the always arduous annual Western New York trip. Siena has gone just 1-7 on their past four such trips – where they play both Niagara and Canisius on the same trip – while being swept three times including each of the past two occasions.
 
The longtime Empire State rivals meet for the 108^th time, with Siena holding a 57-50 edge in the all-time series. Siena is 13-5 over the past 18 matchups, and has also secured a split of the last 10 meetings on Monteagle Ridge.
 
Todd Callen and Jack Kruezer have the call of the game on ESPN3, which can be watched by clicking the corresponding link. The "Voice of the Saints" Emmanuel Berbari and Conner Fenlon '12 have the radio call of the action courtside from Mahoney Arena, locally in the Capital Region on ALT 104.9 FM and online at alt1049albany.com, with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m.