Marist vs Niagara Prediction 2/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Marist Red Foxes and the Niagara Purple Eagles will meet on Sunday afternoon in a MAAC matchup at Gallagher Center in Lewiston, New York.

Marist Red Foxes Betting Preview

The Marist Red Foxes enter Thursday’s contest with a 14–7 win-loss record, including an 8–4 mark in conference play and a 9–2 record at home. The Red Foxes have amassed wins over Fairfield, Rider, Sacred Heart, Iona and Stony Brook, while losing recent games to Merrimack, St. Peters and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. More recently, in the Marist Red Foxes dominant 82-67 win over Fairfield nine days ago, Marist guard Elijah Lewis accumulated 17 points (5 of 11 shooting from the field: 6 of 6 from the free-throw line), 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

The Marist Red Foxes are averaging 70.5 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Red Foxes are allowing just 64 points per contest which ranks fifth in the country.    

Senior guard Elijah Lewis leads the Marist Red Foxes averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Senior guard Rhyjon Blackwell provides the Red Foxes with further backcourt stability averaging 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1 steal per contest.

Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Preview

The Niagara Purple Eagles enter Sunday’s contest with a 5–16 overall record, including a 2–9 mark in conference play and a 2–11record on the road. The Purple Eagles have compiled wins over Canisius and Manhattan, while dropping recent games to Sacred Heart, Fairfield and Mount St. Mary’s. Earlier this month, in the Niagara Purple Eagles 71–70 loss to Sacred Heart, Niagara guard Justin Page tallied 13 points (6 of 9 shooting from the field), 1 rebound, 4 assists and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Purple Eagles backcourt.

The Niagara Purple Eagles are averaging 63.1 points on 43 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. The Purple Eagles are allowing opponents 73.7 points per contest.

Junior guard Justin Page leads the Niagara Purple Eagles averaging 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Junior guard Trenton Walters provides Niagara with further backcourt stability averaging 8.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest. Senior forward Justin Hawkins averages 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game.

Why the Marist Red Foxes will win

• Elite defense. The Marist Red Foxes are allowing opponents just 64 points per contest which ranks 5th in the country.

• Home dominance. The Red Foxes have played well at home (9-2) this season.

• Balanced scoring. Lewis and Blackwell provide consistent perimeter production.

Why the Niagara Purple Eagles will win

• Quality guard play. Junior guard Justin Page leads the Niagara Purple Eagles averaging 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game

• Enhanced motivation. The Niagara Purple Eagles enter tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a four-game losing streak.

• Frontcourt play.  Senior forward Justin Hawkins averages 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game.

Marist vs. Niagara Prediction

This matchup features Niagara’s perimeter shooting and willingness to play through the three‑point line against a Marist team that has been one of the most consistent defensive units in the nation this season. Niagara’s outside shooting gives the Purple Eagles a path to victory, but Marist’s elite defense, rebounding edge and strong form at the Gallagher Center make this a difficult road environment for a Niagara team that has struggled to generate offense in 2025. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Marist Red Foxes in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Marist TBA