JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Senior Anthony Nelson reached the 1,000-point and 500-rebound milestones as Niagara dropped a 77-57 contest against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks on Saturday afternoon at the Yanitelli Center.

Nelson, who is from nearby Plainfield, N.J., became the 41st member of the 1,000-point club in front of family and friends. Nelson entered the game needing seven points for 1,000 in his career. Nelson drove around his defender for a layup to score his 1,000th point with 16:54 left in the second half to cut SPC (9-8, 4-2 MAAC) lead to 44-29.

Niagara (4-14, 1-5 MAAC) started the game in control behind 6-for-9 shooting from the field. A jumper by Malcolm Lemmons gave the Purple Eagles their largest lead at 19-12 with 8:46 left. Though, Niagara would go scoreless in the final four minutes of the half as the Peacocks surged ahead.

 

SPC ended the half on a 15-0 run for a 37-25 halftime lead. SPC’s Wesley Jenkins led all scorers with 22 first-half points, including a three-quarter court buzzer beater at the end of the half. The Peacocks went on a 15-5 run to start the second half as Niagara continued to struggle from the field.  

Nelson led the Purple Eagles with 20 to score at least 20 points for the fifth time this season. Nelson, who is fourth in the nation in steals per game, had a game-high six steals while playing in the entire game. Nelson grabbed four rebounds and now has 501 in his career. Marvin Jordan had nine points, four rebounds and three assists, while fellow freshman Skylar Jones also had nine points. Jenkins finished with a career-high 31 points to lead the game.

Niagara continues its New York City road trip at the Manhattan Jaspers on Monday, Jan. 17 for a 2 p.m. tip.