The set-up: The 5-10 Niagara Purple Eagles are 2-2 in MAAC play and will visit the 10-5 Rider Broncs (3-1 in MAAC play) in a Sunday afternoon game at Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Niagara: The Purple Eagles are hoping to get things together in league play, after knocking off Siena 71-66 as a five point home favorite on Wednesday. Niagara's got a high-scoring backcourt duo in Scott (16.6 & 6.9) and Dukes (16.1) and they scored 22 points each and combined for 12 rebounds in the win. The 6-8 Dominic Robb (9.2 & 6.7) and the Alioune Tew (1.9 & 2.2) combined for 18 points and nine boards but the 6-7 Prochet (8.1 & 5.7) has also been a regular contributor. However, Niagara must tighten its defense, allowing 77.5 PPG on the season, including 82.4 PPG on the road where the team is just 1-7.

Rider: The Broncs have been impressive thus far in going 3-1 in conference play, following Friday's 73-62 victory at Marist as a three point favorite behind a strong second half that broke open a two point contest. The 6-7 Kahill Thomas led all scorers with 19 points and 12 rebounds with PG Stevie Jordan adding 17 points and the 6-7 Xavier Lundy adding 15 points and eight boards All five starters are averaging in double figures, led by Thomas (13.5 & 9.7). He's joined up front by two other 6-7 players, Lundy (11.7 & 6.6) and Carey (10.1 & 6.9). The starting guards are Taylor (13.5 & 4.3) and Jordan (11.9-3.7-5.7).

The pick: Is this the year the Rider Broncs break through in the MAAC? it could be but this number is pretty high and recent series history reveals that the underdog is 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings. Niagara is an 8* play.