POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Niagara men’s basketball team fell at the Marist Red Foxes, 80-72, on Friday night at the McCann Center to drop its first conference opener in four seasons. Freshman Skylar Jones led the game with a career-high 20 points.

Niagara (2-5, 0-1 MAAC) had its four-game win streak against Marist (1-6, 1-0 MAAC) halted, while the Red Foxes won only their second game in their last 37 attempts. Marist jumped to an early 14-4 lead after five minutes of play en route to taking a 44-25 halftime lead. The Red Foxes shot 53 percent (17-for-31) from the field, made five 3-pointers and had 25 fast-break points in the half. Niagara, however, struggled to find its rhythm and shot 31 percent (9-for-21) from the field.

The Purple Eagles shook off a tough first half by scoring 47 points in the second half for their most points scored in a half this season.  Jones exploded for 16 second half points behind 4-for-7 shooting from behind the arc. Senior Anthony Nelson had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Junior Kashief Edwards recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds; he also had four blocks.

Niagara continues conference action on Sunday when it plays at Iona for a 2 p.m. start.