Rider Broncs Defeat Niagara Purple Eagles 67-62
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Alumni Gymnasium (Rider)
Rider Broncs 67, Niagara Purple Eagles 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Niagara Purple Eagles vs Rider Broncs?
Rider Broncs beat Niagara Purple Eagles 67-62 at Alumni Gymnasium (Rider) on February 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Niagara Purple Eagles vs Rider Broncs?
Niagara Purple Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In an intense matchup at Alumni Gymnasium, the Rider Broncs secured a narrow victory over the Niagara Purple Eagles, finishing the game with a score of 67-62. This win marks a significant achievement for the Broncs, who have struggled throughout the season, holding a home record of 4-23 and an overall record of 4-23. The Broncs had been on a five-game losing streak prior to this game, averaging 67.0 points scored and allowing 79.5 points per game over their last ten outings.
The Purple Eagles, on the other hand, came into this game with a record of 7-21, having lost their last game against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers 63-76. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games and an average of 63.6 points scored while allowing 67.3 points. Both teams have faced challenges, but the Broncs managed to capitalize on their home advantage in this fixture.
Historically, Rider has performed well against Niagara, winning both of their previous meetings in the 2025 season. The Broncs defeated the Purple Eagles 77-76 in their last encounter at home and earlier won 68-65 in Niagara. This trend of success likely contributed to their confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players missing for either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Niagara favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 131.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the contest, with the Broncs being listed at +102 on the moneyline and the Purple Eagles at -122.
As the game unfolded, the Broncs maintained a slim lead, with key scoring plays in the second half that helped them secure the win. Notable moments included a 25-foot three-pointer by Flash Burton and crucial free throws from Antwan Wilson and Shemani Fuller, which extended their lead in the closing minutes. The Broncs' ability to convert free throws down the stretch proved vital in preserving their advantage.
Conditions in the gym were typical for a college basketball game, with both teams feeding off the energy of the crowd. Fans witnessed a hard-fought battle, with both teams displaying determination and effort throughout the game. The Broncs' victory not only snapped their losing streak but also provided a much-needed boost in morale as they look to finish the season on a positive note.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NIA -1.5 | 131.5 o -105 / u -115 | Niagara Purple Eagles -122 · Rider Broncs +102 |
Leaders
- PointsFlash Burton20Rider Broncs
- AssistsFlash Burton6Rider Broncs
- ReboundsFlash Burton7Rider Broncs
- PointsWill Shortt18Niagara Purple Eagles
- AssistsJustin Hawkins4Niagara Purple Eagles
- ReboundsWill Shortt5Niagara Purple Eagles
Recent form
Rider Broncs
Last 10: 1-9Streak L567 scored · 79.5 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L66-72vs Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 21
- L75-86at Sacred Heart PioneersFeb 15
- L55-65vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 14
- L47-73vs Merrimack WarriorsFeb 8
- L52-81at Marist Red FoxesFeb 6
- W81-78vs Saint Peter's PeacocksFeb 1
- L90-95at Manhattan JaspersJan 31
- L61-71at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 24
- L85-105vs Sacred Heart PioneersJan 19
- L58-69at Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 17
Niagara Purple Eagles
Last 10: 2-8Streak L163.6 scored · 67.3 allowed per game0-4 away
- L63-76at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 21
- W70-68vs Iona GaelsFeb 15
- L69-76vs Manhattan JaspersFeb 13
- L55-56at Quinnipiac BobcatsFeb 7
- W65-56vs Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 3
- L46-58vs Marist Red FoxesFeb 1
- L79-82vs Siena SaintsJan 30
- L70-71at Sacred Heart PioneersJan 24
- L61-62at Fairfield StagsJan 23
- L58-68vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 23-11 | - | 17-3 |
| Saint Peter's | 17-12 | 3 | 14-6 |
| Siena | 23-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Marist | 19-12 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Quinnipiac | 19-13 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Fairfield | 21-13 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 15-17 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Iona | 18-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Sacred Heart | 14-19 | 8 | 9-11 |
| Manhattan | 12-20 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Canisius | 10-21 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Niagara | 8-22 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Rider | 4-25 | 14 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Niagara Purple Eagles | Rider Broncs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-48 | 24-55 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-16 | 4-12 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 33 |
| Free throws | 6-11 | 15-18 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 17 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 32 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 54 | 36 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half30-32Shemani Fuller makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Flash Burton assists)
- 2nd Half33-32Brian Griffith makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trenton Walters assists)
- 2nd Half33-34Davis Bynum makes layup (Flash Burton assists)
- 2nd Half33-36Shemani Fuller makes layup
- 2nd Half35-36Will Shortt makes 3-foot dunk (Justin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half35-37Flash Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-38Flash Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-38Will Shortt makes layup (Brian Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half37-40Davis Bynum makes layup (Zion Cruz assists)
- 2nd Half39-40Josiah Sabino makes layup (Brian Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half40-40Josiah Sabino makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half40-42Flash Burton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-44Davis Bynum makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Flash Burton assists)
- 2nd Half40-46Davis Bynum makes layup
- 2nd Half40-48Caleb Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half42-48Will Shortt makes layup
- 2nd Half42-50Zion Cruz makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half44-50Landon Williams makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half46-50Trenton Walters makes driving layup (Landon Williams assists)
- 2nd Half48-50Justin Hawkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-50Justin Hawkins makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-50Justin Hawkins makes layup
- 2nd Half54-50Landon Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Justin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half56-50Vice Zanki makes layup (Justin Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half57-50Vice Zanki makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-52Shemani Fuller makes layup (Caleb Smith assists)
- 2nd Half57-54Flash Burton makes layup
- 2nd Half59-54Landon Williams makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-56Shemani Fuller makes layup (Jamir McNeil assists)
- 2nd Half59-57Shemani Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-58Shemani Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-59Shemani Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Flash Burton makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half61-62Will Shortt makes layup (Vice Zanki assists)
- 2nd Half61-63Antwan Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Antwan Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Shemani Fuller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Shemani Fuller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Trenton Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-67Flash Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Rider Broncs, below favours Niagara Purple Eagles.
Venue
- Alumni Gymnasium (Rider)Lawrenceville, NJ
- Attendance989
- OfficialsClarence Armstrong, Nathan Hall, Michael Nardone
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond