Senior David Brooks hit seven three-pointers Thursday, the third-most in school history.

ALBANY – Seniors Juan Mendez (Montreal) and David Brooks (Philadelphia) both scored over 20 points to lead Niagara University to a 74-59 win over Siena College Thursday night in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game in the Pepsi Center.

Mendez tallied game highs of 25 points and 16 rebounds to record his 11th double-double of the year, 37th of his career and eighth consecutive. The 16 rebounds also tied his career high.

Brooks registered 23 points and hit a personal-best seven three-pointers, the third-most in school history. Senior Alvin Cruz (Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico) netted 12 points, six assists and four steals. Sophomore J.R. Duffey (Ft. Worth, Texas) grabbed 11 rebounds.

The teams traded baskets in the first half until Niagara went on a 23-1 run to take a 36-18 halftime lead. Brooks scored 11 of his 14 first-half points in the run and hit the fourth of his seven treys with nine seconds left in the half

The Purple Eagles continued their assault to open the second half, sprinting out to a 14-5 run to cap a 35-6 run over an 11:27 stretch that covered both halves.

Niagara built a 30-point lead on two occasions and Siena never got closer than the final margin.

The Purple Eagles controlled the boards, outrebounding the Saints, 52-30.

Niagara returns to action Sunday when it hosts Loyola at 3 p.m. in the Gallagher Center.