Staff Reports
In the first Big 4 basketball game of the season, Buffalo has a chance to win its 1,000th game in program history when Canisius visits Alumni Arena tonight.
Canisius leads the all-time series 24-13, but UB has won the last five meetings, all close games.
UB has won two in a row this year after losing its home opener. John Boyer had a career-high 12 assists in Saturday’s overtime win over Towson, while Calvin Betts had a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double.
This will be the first local appearance for a Canisius team that some are expecting to give fourth-year coach Tom Parrotta, a former Niagara assistant, his first winning season.
The Griffs (1-1) picked up their first win of the season Saturday at St. Francis. In two games, Frank Turner is averaging 22 points, 7 assists and 5.5 rebounds.
The first win in UB history came at Clarkson in 1915.
Benn nabs weekly award
Niagara’s Bilal Benn was named MAAC player of the week on Monday. Benn averaged 14.5 points and 10 rebounds last week, helping Niagara go 3-1 with wins over Drexel, Howard and Central Florida. He also recorded 13 assists and nine steals, while making all 13 of his free throw attempts.
After leading the MAAC with 12 double-doubles last season, Benn has three double-doubles in the season’s first five games.
The Purple Eagles’ next game is Wednesday at Mount St. Mary’s.
Medaille JV hoops improves to 2-0
North Tonawanda product Vinnie Libroia had a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds to help the Medaille College JV men’s basketball team to an 84-71 win over St. John Fisher JV.
The visiting Mavericks (2-0) trailed by as many as 18 before outscoring the Cardinals 54-27 in the second half.
Vic Cacho (Kenmore East) added 10 points and a key block late in the game, while Brian Pappagallo (Sweet Home) chipped in with 10 points and four steals.
Gazette reporter Nate Beutel, a Starpoint graduate, coaches the team. Kenmore East graduate Bill Gersitz is his assistant.
GAME NIGHT
UB (2-1) vs. Canisius (1-1)
n WHEN: 7 p.m.
n WHERE: Alumni Arena
n RADIO: WECK 1230
