Niagara University, NY (February 16, 2003) - The Niagara University men's basketball team defeated Loyola College 79-66 at the Gallagher Center in front of a crowd of 1,373. Niagara improves to 9-5 MAAC (13-10 overall) while Loyola falls to 1-13 MAAC (4-19 overall).

"We learned a lot today about our team," said head coach Joe Mihalich. "This game had upset written all over it. We didn't let it happen and that's a credit to our kids."

Juan Mendez had a game-high 25 points for the Purple Eagles. Mendez went nine-for-11 from the field and seven-for-nine from the free-throw line. The sophomore also grabbed seven rebounds for Niagara.

Other Niagara high scorers included Tremmell Darden who netted 23 and David Brooks who scored 13. Darden put away seven-of-10 from the field and six-of-eight from the free-throw line.

Loyola was led by Bernard Allen who had 15 points. Thomas Donovan had 11. The Greyhounds shot 83% for the game.

Niagara had an impressive first half shooting wise. The Purple Eagles scored on nine-of-10 from inside the three-point line and 10-of-12 free-throws. Darden scored 14 of his points in the first half. Niagara went into halftime up 41-37.

The Greyhounds took a one point lead 1:36 into the second half on a three pointer by Lucious Jordan. The two teams remained close throughout most of the second half. Niagara grabbed the lead for the remainder of the game with just 4:27 left in the contest when Darden hit a free throw shot.

The Purple Eagles will travel to Albany Tuesday to take on Siena College at the Pepsi Arena. Game time is 7 pm.