NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Niagara Athletics has announced that it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1969-70 men’s basketball team, the first Purple Eagle team to reach the NCAA Tournament, during its home opener on Nov. 17. The contest will air live on ESPN, an 8 a.m. start against Drexel.

The Purple Eagles will welcome back then-Head Coach Frank Layden and NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, as well as many others from the team that reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in Niagara history. This will mark the first time since 1970 that both NU Hall of Famers will be back in the legendary ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center at the same time.

"I am very excited for many reasons," Murphy explained. "First, Niagara University was such a significant part of my life, and it truly helped me grow as a person. I was very fortunate to play with so many wonderful players that did all the dirty work, while I just made baskets. What a great group of guys. I am very excited to see everyone."

The 1969-70 team posted a 22-7 record en route to the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance. The Purple Eagles advanced to the East Region Semifinals with a 79-69 victory over Penn in Princeton, N.J. on March 7, 1970. Murphy led Niagara with 35 points, while Bob Churchwell chipped in with 14 points and 14 rebounds.