Canisius Golden Griffins vs Niagara Purple Eagles Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Niagara vs Canisius NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Buffalo.

Niagara vs Canisius Prediction

The Purple Eagles and Golden Griffins are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Golden Griffins will host the game at Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY. Niagara come into this Metro Atlantic Athletic conference matchup as the -4 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 137.5 points.

Niagara vs. Canisius Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Niagara Purple Eagles at Canisius Golden Griffins
Where: Buffalo at Koessler Athletic Center
Date: Friday, January 31st
Betting Odds NIAGRA -4, NIAGRA -194 | CANS +159 O/U 137.5

Purple Eagles Preview: Can The Purple Eagles Secure a Road Victory?

Niagara Purple Eagles Recent Game/Games

Niagara dropped to 6-13 on the season after an 86-77 home loss to Sacred Heart on Saturday, January 25th. The Purple Eagles were -2 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread.

Trailing 41-38 at halftime, Niagara allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 39. The game’s total points of 163 exceeded the O/U line of 142.5.

Purple Eagles Offense Breakdown

Niagara's offense put up 77 points in their last game, shooting 47.5% from the field and hitting 41.2% from beyond the arc, with 14 made threes. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 59%, and they connected on 55.6% of their two-point attempts. The Purple Eagles also dished out 20 assists, with Mekhi Conner leading the way with 9 assists and 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting.

Jaeden Marshall and Nyle Ralph-Beyer each added 16 points, with Ralph-Beyer hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range. Justin Page and Anquan Hill both contributed 15 points, while Tanner Thomas added 12 points and 5 rebounds. Niagara grabbed 9 offensive boards and shot 71.4% from the free-throw line, making 5 of 7 attempts.

Purple Eagles Team Defense

Niagara's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 86 points on 47% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 55% of their two-point attempts, going 15/27 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Niagara's opponents shot 41%, making 14 of their 34 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 7 times, where they converted 5 free throws.

Golden Griffins Preview: Will the Golden Griffins Exceed Expectations at Home?

Canisius Golden Griffins Recent Game/Games

Canisius dropped to 2-18 on the season after a 70-47 home loss to Marist on Saturday. The Golden Griffins entered the game as +8.5 underdogs and failed to cover the spread.

After trailing just 30-27 at halftime, Canisius managed only 20 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40. The game’s total points of 117 fell short of the 131.5 O/U line.

Golden Griffins Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Canisius managed just 47 points, shooting 29.8% from the field and 27.8% on two-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 35.1%, and they hit 33.3% from beyond the arc, making 7 threes.

Josh Pascarelli led the team with 15 points and 4 assists, shooting 46.2% overall and 37.5% from three. Paul McMillan IV added 13 points, despite shooting just 25.0% from the field, while Cam Palesse contributed 12 points, hitting 57.1% of his shots and 50.0% from deep.

Golden Griffins Team Defense

Canisius put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 70 points on 29% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside, limiting two-point attempts to just 27% shooting (10/36).

From beyond the arc, Canisius allowed 7 threes on 21 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. They sent their opponent to the line only 8 times, where they hit 6 free throws. Canisius also gave up just 6 offensive rebounds.

Purple Eagles vs Golden Griffins Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

When looking at their past five road matchups, Niagara has an ATS record of 0-5 while averaging 58 per game. The team went 0-5 overall in these games.
Although Canisius has a straight up record of 1-2 in their last three home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 73 points per game in these games.
As the betting underdog, the Golden Griffins have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Canisius posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
As the betting favorite, the Purple Eagles have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Niagara posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.