SCORE: Iona 90, Niagara 76
RECORDS: Iona (17-9, 10-5 MAAC), Niagara (9-18, 6-10 MAAC)
LOCATION: Gallagher Center – Niagara University
 
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.- Matt Scott's career-high 34 points led all scorers as the Niagara Purple Eagles fell short at home against the Iona Gaels, 90-76.
 
Game Summary
The Purple Eagles got off to a slow start as Iona started the contest with an 18-2 run. Down 20-4, The Purple Eagles went on a 15-0 run to cut the deficit to 20-19 with 7:41 left in the first half. During the stretch, Kahlil Dukes had four assists on four straight scoring possessions and Matt Scott had 6 of his 11 first half points.  A strong close by Iona at the end of the first half put the Gaels up 43-33 at the break.
 
Niagara started the second half on a 5-0 run, thanks to a Marvin Prochet 3-pointer and a Matt Scott layup off a steal. The Gaels, then, responded with a 10-0 run to take a 15-point lead. Niagara, which trailed by double digits for most of the half, cut the lead 72-64 on a Kevin Larkin 3-pointer with six minutes remaining. Though, Iona answered with a 12-2 run over the next three minutes as the Purple Eagles were unable to pull off the season sweep.
 
Eagle's Eye On…    

• Matt Scott led the game with a career-high 34 points, including 23 in the second half, and also had seven rebounds.
• Kahlil Dukes had a game-high seven assists to go along with 10 points and three rebounds.   
• Marvin Prochet added 16 points, along with six rebounds.
• Kevin Larkin finished with nine points and a career-high nine rebounds.

• Dominic Robb raised his MAAC-leading blocks total to 68, leaving him just four blocks shy of the single-season record holder Mark Henry.
   

Inside The Numbers

• Matt Scott's 34 points was a new personal career-high in points scored, surpassing the previous mark of 32 that he scored at Marist on Jan. 28, 2016. Scott also set a season-high with 11 field goals made and a career-high with six 3-pointers made.
• Dominic Robb is now in sole possession of second place for blocks in a season in school history, passing Joe Arlauckas.
• Niagara's 12 3-pointers made are tied for its second highest this season.

 
Up Next

• The Purple Eagles are back on the road to battle the Monmouth Hawks on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m.
• The game will air on ESPN3  with audio coverage on the Niagara Sports Network via AM 1400 WWWS and www.PurpleEagles.com.

 
Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for men's basketball updates at @NiagaraMBB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles