Niagara University, NY (February 18, 2003) - The Niagara University men's basketball team lost to Siena College 84-71 at the Pepsi Arena in front of 6,647 fans. Niagara falls to 13-11 overall (9-6 MAAC) while Siena improves to 15-9 (9-6 MAAC).

"The guys tonight gave it a valid effort," said head coach Joe Mihalich. "We have some injuries and we were handcuffed with only 11 players. It's like being in a sword fight with a butter knife."

Niagara ran into foul trouble early in the game. Juan Mendez and James Reaves each finished the half with three fouls and Paul deWet collected four. Mendez and Reaves finished the game with four fouls.

The Purple Eagles were led in scoring by Tremmell Darden who scored 21 points. Mendez completed the double-double scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Niagara shot 72% from the free-throw line for the night. Darden put away 10 of 13 tries.

Siena was lead in scoring by Tommy Mitchell who scored 21 points, including 17 in the second half.

Niagara went into the half up by three. Darden netted 18 points in the first for the Purple Eagles including hitting all seven shots from the free throw line. Niagara out rebounded Siena 25-16 in the first.

In the second half David Brooks hit a three pointer 1:23 in to give Niagara a six point lead. Austin Andrews answered with his on three-pointer to cut the lead in half. Prosper Karangwa tied the game at 57 2:44 into the second. Antoine Jordan would give the Saints the lead when he scored with 11:07 left in the game. Siena did not give up that lead for the rest of the contest.

"They played very well in the second half. They found some holes and did well taking advantage of them."

Niagara will finish off the season with three home games. The first will be Saturday against Fairfield. Game-time is set for 4 p.m.