The women’s college basketball season keeps rolling, and there’s a compelling MAAC showdown coming up. The Niagara Purple Eagles host the Saint Peter’s Peacocks on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Tipoff at the Gallagher Center is set for 12 p.m. ET, streaming live on ESPN+. Neither team has dominated the conference yet, but this matchup brings plenty of intrigue and local pride—especially for fans back in Jersey City.
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Niagara vs. Saint Peter’s: A MAAC Matchup with Plenty at Stake
On paper, these are two teams trying to change the story of their early seasons. Niagara sits at 0–10, searching for a spark, while Saint Peter’s comes in at 2–8, hoping to build on a recent win.
For Saint Peter’s, it’s more than just another game. They want to prove their recent improvements are real and show they can compete consistently in MAAC play.
Niagara, meanwhile, is just looking for something to shift—a frustrating start could become a turning point if they can pull off a win.
How Niagara Enters the Contest
Niagara’s season so far? It’s been rough. The Purple Eagles are still chasing their first win, and their 0–10 record includes a tough 107–69 loss to Siena that exposed plenty of issues on both ends.
The numbers don’t sugarcoat it:
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Still, there are bright spots. Talia Dial dropped 20 points in Niagara’s most recent game. Her knack for scoring in bunches could be huge if the Purple Eagles want to hang with Saint Peter’s and finally get that first win.
Saint Peter’s Momentum After a Key Win
Saint Peter’s heads to Lewiston with something Niagara’s still missing: momentum. The Peacocks just beat Canisius 61–49, showing off some tough defense and enough offense to get by.
Guard Jayshlynn Vega led the way with 23 points, giving Saint Peter’s a real backcourt threat. But De’Naya Rippey has been their steady force so far:
Rippey’s nearly averaging a double-double, and that kind of consistency is rare in the conference. If she controls the boards and keeps scoring, Saint Peter’s should have a solid shot at leaving the Gallagher Center with a win.
Offense vs. Defense: Where the Edges Lie
Neither team has an explosive offense, but their approaches on defense are pretty different. That contrast could end up deciding the game.
Struggles from the Perimeter
Both teams struggle from deep, ranking near the bottom nationally in three-point shooting. Saint Peter’s is hitting just 22.9% from beyond the arc, and Niagara’s numbers aren’t much better.
This puts extra pressure on scoring inside, finding mid-range looks, and grabbing second-chance points. Defensively, Saint Peter’s stands out. The Peacocks give up only 64.0 points per game, a big difference from Niagara’s 86.2.
If Saint Peter’s keeps the score in the 50s or low 60s, their defensive discipline should give them an edge.
Why This Game Still Matters
Early-season records can be deceiving, can’t they? For Niagara, snapping a 10-game losing streak at home would mean everything right now.
For Saint Peter’s, getting back-to-back wins could spark a midseason turnaround. Tickets are available through Vivid Seats, so it’s a great chance for alumni, families, and local fans to pack the Gallagher Center and bring some real energy—whether you’re rooting for the Purple Eagles or the visiting Peacocks.
From the Road to the Riverview: Saint Peter’s and Jersey City
For Saint Peter’s supporters, this game brings college hoops right back home. The Peacocks stand tall for Jersey City, and every away game turns into a chance to show off the grit and resilience that shape the school’s urban campus.
If you’re planning a visit to catch Saint Peter’s in action, Jersey City’s got you covered. You can wander along the waterfront, check out different neighborhoods, or dig into the city’s old-school districts.
The city’s hotel scene keeps growing. If you’re wondering where to stay in Jersey City, you’ll find spots close to both campus and that Hudson River skyline—pretty convenient, honestly.
Whether you live nearby or you’re traveling in, getting to Jersey City isn’t complicated. PATH train, light rail, bus, or car—pick your way and you’re set to follow the Peacocks at home after catching them face Niagara on ESPN+.
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Here is the source article for this story: Niagara vs. Saint Peter’s Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch
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