NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara erased a nine-point second half deficit with an 18-2 run over seven minutes en route to defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas, 61-55, in the 2011 Sears BracketBusters on Saturday at the Gallagher Center.

Niagara (8-21) won its fifth straight BracketBuster game to improve its record to 5-2 all-time in the series. The Purple Eagles also remained unbeaten (3-0) against Central Michigan (8-18).

"This was a trap game for us after the big win (Canisius)," head coach Joe Mihalich said. "We were flat, but we found a win to win. We are far from there yet, but we are becoming a really good team."

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Chippewas ran off six-straight points to break the 23-23 deadlock at halftime. Though with 13 minutes remaining and trailing 38-29, the Purple Eagles would embark on a ferocious 18-2 run to create separation between the teams.  

CMU made a run in the final minutes, but senior Anthony Nelson put a halt to the threat. With NU up 55-53 with 1:34 left, the nation's leader in steals picked the pocket of CMU's Trey Zeigler and threw a laser down court to Kevon Moore who slammed it home. Marvin Jordan and Scooter Gillette each drained a pair of free throws to seal the game.

Nelson's seventh and final assist in the game tied the school's all-time career assists record at 630 which he now shares with Alvin Cruz ('05).

"It is an incredible feeling," Nelson said on tying the record. "With all the guys that have come through Niagara and to be number one in any category is an incredible thing to accomplish. Alvin Cruz was obviously a really great player and played with some great players like Juan Mendez and (David) Brooks and I had guys like Tyrone (Lewis) and Charron (Fisher) so I have to credit those guys for knocking down shots."  

Nelson was one of three Purple Eagles in double figures scoring. He finished with 13 points, seven assists and three steals. Jordan led NU with 14 points and Kashief Edwards added 11 points and a game-high three blocks.

Niagara, which has won four of its last five games, will conclude its regular season next weekend with two MAAC home games beginning on Friday versus Loyola at 7 p.m.  Tickets for the remaining home games can be purchased online via TicketMaster or by calling the Niagara Box Office at (716) 286-TIXX (8499).