NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Niagara University freshman Tyrone Lewis (Levittown, Pa.) scored a career-high 15 points but the Purple Eagles dropped a 70-58 decision to Valparaiso University (3-0) Saturday night in non-conference play in front of 1,871 fans at the Gallagher Center.

Valparaiso was led by Urule Igbavboa’s 19 points and 11 rebounds. Samuel Haanpaa added 15 points while Shawn Huff netted 10 points.

Senior forward Clif Brown (Ferndale, Mich.) and freshman guard Rydell Brooks (Akron, Ohio) each scored 12 points for Niagara (0-2). For Brooks, it was a career high. Junior guard Stanley Hodge (Washington, D.C.) snared a career-best 10 rebounds for the Purple Eagles.

Niagara went 6:21 without scoring in the first half when senior forward J.R. Duffey (Fort Worth, Texas) sank a layup with 10 minutes remaining in the half. Niagara cut the Valpo lead to 17-15 at 6:46 when Brooks drove the lane and scored. The Crusaders then went on an 11-0 run for a 28-15 lead. Niagara outscored Valpo 9-5 and trailed 33-24 at halftime.

Niagara scored the second half’s first five points, four via Lewis, as the Purple Eagles trailed 33-29, with 18:32 left. Lewis drove the lane to bring Niagara within two, 35-33, with 16:43 remaining. Haanpaa sank a three-pointer to give Valpo a five-point lead, 38-33. Haanpaa later added another three-pointer to give Valpo a 45-37 lead with 11:52 remaining.

A Lewis three-pointer brought Niagara again within two, 48-46, with 7:58 remaining. The teams traded baskets before Valpo went on a 10-3 run for a 60-51 lead with 2:21 left on another Haanpaa three-pointer.

The Crusaders sank 7-of-10 free throws in the game’s final 62 seconds to pick up the 70-58 victory.

Niagara returns to action Nov. 25 with a 7 p.m. non-conference meeting against Akron.