Trenton, NJ (March 8, 2003) - The Niagara men's basketball team defeated Iona 81-75 to advance to the semi-finals in the MAAC Tournament against Manhattan on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

With the win, Niagara improves to 17-11 on the season. Iona ends the season at 17-12.

The Purple Eagles came into tonight's game with an 8-13 record in the MAAC Tournament. Niagara faced Iona once before in the tournament last year winning that game 89-83.

"This was a heck of a basketball game," said head coach Joe Mihalich. "These two teams went toe-to-toe."

Niagara was led in scoring by Juan Mendez who scored the double-double netting 21 points and grabbing 11 boards. Trammel Darden scored 17 and James Reaves had 16.

For the Gaels, Marvin McCullough scored 16 points. Maceo Wofford netted 14.

"They believe in themselves," added Mihalich talking about his players. "They know what they have to do and have the confidence to do it."

The Purple Eagles held the lead for most of the first half. Iona tied the game at 18 eight minutes in. Reaves hit a free-throw chance 24 seconds later to give Niagara the lead for the rest of the half. Niagara would go into half time with a 47-38 lead.

In the second half the Purple Eagles held a comfortable lead until Charles Hanson made a dunk to bring Iona within one with 5:52 left in the game. Niagara went on a 7-0 run and would not trail for the rest of the game by less then four.

Niagara finished the game hitting 15-of-24 free-throws for 62-percent. Darden hit six of his eight chances