Niagara releases non-conference schedule

Chris Casey and Niagara hope for a reversal of fortune this season, beginning with non-conference schedule that features a trip to Barclays Center among its highlights. (Photo by Vincent Simone/NYC Buckets)

For whatever reason, it seems as though Chris Casey has yet to catch a break in his three years on Monteagle Ridge.

Nonetheless, the affable grinder of a head coach remains ever optimistic about his Niagara team, even more so when looking at the non-conference schedule he has assembled for this year's incarnation of the Purple Eagles.

Niagara opens the season by hosting local rival Buffalo on November 11, with tipoff for that contest slated for 8 p.m. A three-game road trip immediately follows, beginning in Providence to face Brown on November 13 before traveling to Hartford and Rutgers on the 15th and 20th of the month, respectively.

The Purple Eagles return home on November 23 for a clash with Drexel and new head coach Zach Spiker, but hits the road two days later to take on North Texas in the final game before the Thanksgiving holiday and opening week of MAAC play.

Non-league action resumes at Kent State on December 7, with a home game against Norfolk State on the 10th sandwiching a road trip to Ohio for a December 14 skirmish against Youngstown State. Niagara's next tuneup before the new year takes place at a neutral site, first in the Big 4 Basketball Classic against St. Bonaventure at the First Niagara Center on December 17, and the schedule concludes at Barclays Center in Brooklyn against LIU Brooklyn on December 21.

2016-17 Niagara University Non-Conference Schedule

Friday, November 11: vs. Buffalo, 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 13: at Brown, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, November 15: at Hartford, TBA

Sunday, November 20: at Rutgers, noon

Wednesday, November 23: vs. Drexel, 7 p.m.

Friday, November 25: at North Texas, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 7: at Kent State, 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 10: vs. Norfolk State, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, December 14: at Youngstown State, 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 17: vs. St. Bonaventure, 1 p.m. (Big 4 Basketball Classic, First Niagara Center)

Wednesday, December 21: at LIU Brooklyn, 7 p.m. (Barclays Center)