Niagara University, NY - The Niagara University men's basketball team lost to Manhattan 71-65 at the Gallagher Center in front of a crowd of 1,454. Niagara falls to 9-9 (MAAC 5-4) while Manhattan improves to 16-3 (9-1).

Manhattan came into the game ranked fourth in the ESPN.com Mid-Major Top 10. The Jasper's have won their last 12 games. Manhattan was lead in scoring tonight by Luis Flores who netted 25 points. Flores entered the games ranked sixth in NCAA scoring. The junior hit 14-of-16 free throws and added six assists.

"He does everything," said Niagara guard David Brooks. "He shoots three's great, great from the free throw line as he showed tonight."

Brooks himself had a good game. The sophomore had a career-high 18 points. Brooks went 7-for-12 from the field and three-for-five form the three point line. His previous high was 16 points on December 28 against Youngstown State.

Niagara trailed for most of the first half. The Purple Eagles tied the game at 24 with 2:47 left in the first. Manhattan then went on a nine point run to finish the half ahead 33-24. The Jasper's biggest lead came at 17:49 of the second half when Mike Konovelchick hit a three-pointer to put Manhattan in the lead by 12. Niagara did get within two with less then two minutes left in the game but the Jasper's held on for the rest of the game.

Niagara was lead in points by Tremmell Darden who had 19 points. Darden hit seven-of-15 from the field and went 4-for-8 at the line.

Niagara will next take on the Iona Gales at 2:00 pm at the Gallagher Center.