BRIDGEPORT, Conn.- The Niagara men's basketball team (13-6, 7-3 MAAC) completed a long road trip in winning fashion on Sunday, defeating Fairfield (7-13, 5-5 MAAC) 73-61 at the Arena at Harbor Yard. The Purple Eagles, who played nine of their last 12 games on the road, finished the tough stretch with a 9-3 record.

For the second-straight contest, sophomore Tyrone Lewis (Levittown, Pa.) connected on six three-point baskets, as he led the Purple Eagles with 27 points, both tying career highs. In his return to the arena where he was named MAAC Tournament MVP, Lewis shot 9-of-17 from the floor while picking up four steals.

The contest pitted one of the most potent offenses in the conference against the stingiest defense in the MAAC. However, it was the Purple Eagles who turned up the defensive pressure in the second half to earn the win.

The Stags shot 57.9 percent from the floor in the first half, on their way to a 38-34 halftime lead, but Niagara held Fairfield to 23 second-half points and 33.3 percent shooting after the break. NU outscored Fairfield 39-23 in the second half.

"This was a great win for us," Niagara head coach Joe Mihalich said. "We really have the utmost respect for Fairfield. They are as tough as anyone on our schedule."

Senior Charron Fisher (Pennsauken, N.J.) scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half. He shot 9-of-11 from the free throw line and pulled down eight rebounds.

"When Lewis is playing like that, it makes my life a lot easier," Fisher added. "I was thrilled he was able to score 17 points in the first half."

Freshman Anthony Nelson (Plainfield, N.J.) narrowly missed a double-double in the win. The rookie point guard posted a career-high with 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists while only recording one turnover.

Junior center Benson Egemonye (Benin City, Nigeria) shot 4-for-4 from the field despite getting into early foul trouble. His limited time kept him off the glass, as he registered just one rebound, well below his season average.

The return to the Arena at Harbor Yard was successful for Niagara. The last time they played on the hardwood in Bridgeport, Conn., the Purple Eagles won the 2007 MAAC Championship.

"We were excited coming back to Bridgeport, we always have a great time," Mihalich added. "Last time we were at this hotel we left with a trophy, and last time we were on this floor we were cutting down the nets."

Niagara returns to the legendary 'Taps' Gallagher Center for a weekend double header. The Purple Eagles square off with Loyola, Feb. 1, and Fairfield, Feb. 3.