NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara Purple Eagles lost to the Rhode Island Rams, 68-62, in the first round of the NIT Tournament on Tuesday night inside a soldout 'Taps' Gallagher Center. The loss ends one of the most historic season's in Niagara history.

"I am so proud of this team," Niagara head coach Joe Mihalich said. "Right now, it stings, but in a few days, we'll look back and realize what an amazing season this was."

Poor shooting eventually caught up to the Purple Eagles, as NU was out shot 50.0 percent (26-of-52) to 35.6 percent (21-of-59). Niagara struggled from behind the arc, going 7-for-27.

Niagara led 41-34 with 14:50 remaining in the second half before URI's Kahiem Seawright scored nine-straight points to take a 43-41 lead. The All-A-10 big man scored 20 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, as the Rams outrebounded Niagara 22-7 after the intermission.

Anthony Nelson (Plainfield, N.J.) led Niagara with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He handed out seven assists to just one turnover in the loss, finishing the season with 186 assists, the fourth highest single season total in school history.

Tyrone Lewis (Levittown, Pa.) added 13 points, including three three-pointers. He finished the season with 99 long balls, the most in NU history.

Benson Egemonye (Benin City, Nigeria) tallied 12 points and nine caroms in his final game, while Bilal Benn (Philadelphia, Pa.) added 10 points and seven rebounds. Rob Garrison (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) chipped in with nine markers.

The Purple Eagles finish the 2008-09 season with 26 wins, the second most in school history and most since the 1921-22 season (27 wins).