New Rochelle, NY- The Niagara University's men's basketball team lost to Iona 92-76 at the Mulcahy Center in front of a crowd of 1,900. The Purple Eagles fall to 10-10 overall (6-5 MAAC) while the Gaels improve to 12-8 (7-4 MAAC). The two teams came into the game tied for third place in the conference.

"You have to give them credit," said Niagara head coach Joe Mihalich. "They outplayed us and outworked us."

Iona's Marvin McCullough led all scorers with a career high 23 points. McCullough went seven-for-eight at the free throw line, seven-for-nine from the field and hit both three point attempts.

"McCullough scoring that many points is surprising," said Mihalich. "His role has been to make passes and make plays."

Niagara was led in scoring by Juan Mendez who had 22 points. Tremmell Darden, David Brooks and Barry Durosier also scored in the double digits.

Durosier had a career game playing only 10 minutes but scoring a career high 12 points. The freshman also had career highs in field goals (4), field goal attempts (4), free throws (2), free throw attempts (4), and three pointers (2).

Niagara had an early seven point lead when Iona called a time out. The Gaels hit their next two shots before Niagara regained a five point lead. With 7:30 left in the first half, Steve Smith hit a shot to give Iona a one point lead. Iona would never trail for the remainder of the game. The two teams went into the half with Iona up 46-36.

Iona had a double digit lead for most of the second half. The Gaels biggest lead came with just 59-seconds left in the game when McCullough's free throw put them ahead by 22.

Niagara will be in action again on Sunday when the Purple Eagles visit Fairfield. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m.