Senior Tremmell Darden had a game-high 20 points in Niagara's 89-80 win over Youngstown State Saturday night.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – With all five starters scoring in double figures, the Niagara University men’s basketball team won its season opener, 89-80, over Youngstown State in front of 2,029 fans Saturday night at the Gallagher Center.

The Purple Eagles were led in scoring by senior Tremmell Darden (Sr., Las Vegas, Nev.), who posted game-high totals with 20 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard David Brooks (Philadelphia, Pa.) added 17 points while senior James Reaves (Sr., Rochester) had 16 points. Juniors Alvin Cruz (Jr., Rio Pedras, Puerto Rico) and Juan Mendez (Jr., Montreal, Quebec) each added 14 points. Cruz also recorded a game-high seven assists.

Niagara closed the first half by scoring seven of the half’s final 11 points to take a 38-34 lead. There were nine ties in the first half and Youngstown State enjoyed a six-point lead, 23-17, after a basket by John Barber. Niagara was hampered by making only 1 of 14 three-point field goal attempts.

The Purple Eagles then made their first three shots of the second half to fuel a 7-3 run for a 45-37 advantage. Niagara’s lead got as large as 13 points, 74-61, after Cruz made a layup with 8:22 to play. Youngstown State, which was led by Andy Jahnke’s 15 points, got as close as six points, 78-72, when Jahnke hit his third three-point field goal at 4:36.

Reaves and Cruz each scored 14 second-half points as the Purple Eagles erupted for 51 points in the second stanza.

Niagara went 32 of 45 from the free-throw line, including 17 of 21 in the second half.

In addition to Jahnke, Youngstown State’s TeJay Anderson (14) and Bill Mallernee (14) also scored in double digits.

Niagara (1-0) plays Bucknell Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.