BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - In a rematch of last season's MAAC Tournament semifinals, the Niagara men's basketball team was defeated by the Fairfield Stags, 70-48, on Monday at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Niagara (3-12, 0-3 MAAC) managed to slow down conference-leading Fairfield (10-3, 3-0 MAAC) in the first half by controlling possession, which limited the Stags offensive possessions. The Purple Eagles, however, were unable to take advantage as their season-long offensive struggles continued.

The Stags went on a 16-4 run midway through the first half to build a 23-9 lead with 3:46 left. Niagara finished the half trailing by 16 and with season-lows in points (14) and field goal percentage (16 percent).

NU shot the ball much better in the second half and cut the led to 13 after a pair of free throws by Marvin Jordan with 12 minutes remaining. Though, Fairfield would eventually pull away and had four Stags that scored in double-digit as the game concluded.

Junior Kashief Edwards, who was the only Purple Eagle to score in double-figures, has done so in all but three games this season. Edwards finished with 15 points, which tied Fairfield's Derek Needham for the game-high.

The Purple Eagles will play only their fourth home game of the season when they host the Rider Broncs on Friday at 9 p.m. in a game broadcast on ESPNU.