Buffalo, NY (February 12, 2003) - The Niagara University men's basketball team beat Canisius 71-68 at the Koessler Center in front of 2,176 fans. Niagara improves to 12-10 overall (8-5 MAAC) while Canisius falls to 8-15 overall (4-10 MAAC)

"This was a heck of a game," said head coach Joe Mihalich. "It was a shame someone had to lose this game. It was back and forth all night. A great game."

Niagara was led in scoring by David Brooks who had a career high 20 points. Sixteen of those points were scored in the second half. Brooks went seven-for-11 from the field, three-for-four from the free throw line and hit three trey's.

"It's one thing to be a starter. It's another to be a finisher. David was our finisher tonight," said Mihalich of Brooks.

Other Niagara leaders include Juan Mendez who netted 20 points, Tremmell Darden scored 15 and James Reaves and Mendez each grabbed eight boards.

Canisius scoring leaders included Hodari Mallory with 24 points and Briann Dux and Kevin Downey each getting 11. Mallory scored his 1,000th career point in the first half

The Purple Eagles started out the game jumping to an 18-9 lead 4:46 into the first half. The Griffs rallied with a 24-8 run to go into the half with a 33-26 lead. Mallory hit four-of-5 three pointers in the first half for Canisius.

Canisius came out in the second half capturing a nine point lead just 26-seconds in. Niagara continued to cut Canisius' lead until the Purple Eagles went ahead at 4:23 into the second stanza. For the remainder of the game the two teams exchanged leads until Brooks hit a three pointer with just 3:13 left in the game. Niagara would hold the lead for the rest of the game.

Niagara will return to the Gallagher Center on Sunday when they take on Loyola. Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm.