Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles had their eight-game win streak against rival St. Bonaventure snapped in a thrilling 72-70 defeat on Friday night in front of a sold out crowd at the ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center.

Trailing 66-54 with 1:34 remaining, the Purple Eagles (5-9) used a furious rally to cut the deficit to 70-68 with 27 seconds left after Juan'ya Green, who led all scorers with 32 points for his second career 30-point game, connected on a layup. The attempted comeback was sparked by a Josh Turner 3-pointer at 1:27 on the clock which dropped the lead into single digits; Turner and Green combined for 12 of Niagara’s 14 points in the 14-4 run.

The rally, however, fell short. With 20 seconds left, St. Bonaventure’s (7-5) Chris Johnson made two free throws while the Purple Eagles could only muster a put back layup as time expired.

“It was almost a horrible game until the second half when the guys realized what can happen when you play hard and really compete,” head coach Joe Mihalich said.  “I’m proud of our guys. There were a lot chances to pack it in and we didn’t do that, but the clear message in the locker room was you have to play hard all the time.”

The loss was Niagara’s first in the series since November 24, 2001 and its first at home since Dec. 4, 2000.

Both teams had a slow start in the 152nd meeting between the Western New York schools. After both teams combined for 15 points through the first 10 minutes of play, the Bonnies closed the half on a 12-5 run which included nine straight points for a 38-25 halftime lead.

“Nothing in the second half costs us the game; it was all in the first half,” Mihalich stated.

Niagara bounced back in the second half after struggling from the field (6-for-24) and outscored the Bonnies in the second half (45-34). The Purple Eagles had a 36-28 points in the paint advantage and scored 21points off of turnovers.

Ameen Tanksley led the team with seven rebounds and had 12 points to join classmate Green as the only other Purple Eagles in double figures. SBU’s Demitrius Conger had 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Niagara resumes conference play on Monday, Jan. 2 when it travels to play Loyola (9-3, 2-0 MAAC) for a 7:30 p.m. tip.