FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Sacred Heart Pioneers will look to continue their recent surge and avenge a narrow loss from earlier this month when they host the Niagara Purple Eagles in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday.

The Pioneers (8-13) have won three straight, including a 69-66 victory over Canisius on Thursday, after a five-game skid. Niagara (5-14) arrives seeking to end a two-game slide, coming off a heartbreaking 62-61 loss at Fairfield on Thursday where a last-second shot rimmed out.

This matchup at the William Pitt Center is a quick rematch of a Jan. 2 meeting in New York, which Niagara won 64-61. In that game, the Pioneers’ leading scorer, Nyle Ralph-Beyer, was held to just three points. He enters this contest in vastly different form, averaging 18 points over his last three games and coming off a 19-point performance against Canisius.

Niagara will counter with guard Reggie Prudhomme, who orchestrated the first win over Sacred Heart with seven points and two assists. Prudhomme is coming off a seven-point, seven-assist effort in the loss to Fairfield and has been a steady playmaker for the Purple Eagles.

Sacred Heart’s offense has found its rhythm during the win streak, averaging 86.7 points per game. Alongside Ralph-Beyer, Dashon Gittens (16 points vs. Canisius) and distributor Mekhi Conner, who had 12 assists in the last outing, provide multiple threats.

Niagara’s challenge will be generating consistent offense; the team has not surpassed 61 points in its last two games. Justin Page, who led the team with 13 points on Thursday, will need to provide supplementary scoring alongside Prudhomme.

For Sacred Heart, protecting home court is critical as it aims to climb the MAAC standings. For Niagara, stopping the Pioneers’ momentum and securing a season sweep could provide a turning point in a difficult season.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.