Junior James Mathis posted his first collegiate double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. Central Connecticut State.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s basketball team (2-1) closed Monday night’s non-conference game against Central Connecticut State (1-2) with a 27-6 run to pick up the 74-53 win at the Gallagher Center.

Central Connecticut State, which led 35-33 at halftime, scored only 18 second-half points as the Purple Eagles pulled away for their second win of the season.

Leading Niagara was senior Juan Mendez (Montreal/Florida Air Academy) with 20 points in only 21 minutes of action. Junior James Mathis (Newark, N.J./St. Benedict’s Prep) came off the bench to record his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-best 10 rebounds. Sophomore J.R. Duffey (Ft. Worth, Texas/North Crowley) also picked up his first-ever double-double with 12 points and personal-best 11 rebounds. Senior David Brooks (Philadelphia/Abington) scored 14 points to go with nine rebounds and a career-high five steals. As a team, Niagara snared a season-best 50 rebounds.

Niagara opened a 9-3 lead behind five points from Mendez. After Mendez recorded his second foul just four minutes into the game, Central Connecticut State went on an 18-2 run for a 21-11 lead on an inside basket by Javier Mojica. Mendez returned to the game and scored the Purple Eagles’ next seven points to bring them within three points, 21-18. Niagara continued its run, taking a 24-23 lead on a dunk by freshman Charron Fisher (Pennsauken, N.J./Roman Catholic) with 5:45 remaining in the half. Niagara would eventually take a 31-25 lead on a three-pointer by Duffey to cap a 22-4 run. Central Connecticut State then closed the half with a 10-2 run for the 35-33 lead. Rich Pittman, who led the Blue Devils with 15 points, scored six points in their half-closing run.

Both teams traded baskets to open the second half before Mendez was whistled for his fourth foul five minutes into the half and Niagara clinging to a 41-40 lead. After Central Connecticut State tied the game at 47 on a Tristan Blackwood three-pointer, the Purple Eagles went on a 15-1 run, including 12 unanswered points, for a 62-48 lead. The teams traded points before Niagara scored nine of the game’s last 10 points for the final margin.

The Purple Eagles return to action Saturday when they host Big East rival St. John’s at 7 p.m. at the Gallagher Center. Tickets are still available.