PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Niagara Purple Eagles fell to the Brown Bears, 75-74, in overtime on Tuesday to begin their three-game road trip.

Four Purple Eagles (7-8) were in double figures, led by Ameen Tanksley's 17 points while also contributing with seven rebounds and a team-high four steals. Juan'ya Green scored 17 points and had five assists, Antoine Mason had 13 points and was one rebound away from his first career double-double and Devon White had a season-high 11 points.

Niagara looked well on its way to extending its win streak to three games. The Purple Eagles led 10-2 through the opening five minutes and reeled off a 19-4 run to build the largest of the game at 36-17 with 3:29 left in the first half.

NU led 37-27 to start the second half when Brown (5-8) roared back into the game. The Bears went on a 13-2 run to take their first lead of the game in a half that witnessed seven ties and eight lead changes. A tip-in by Tahjere McCall with 1:32 left in regulation gave NU a 62-56 lead, but the Bears ended the half on a 6-0 run which included a game-tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

The Purple Eagles, who were playing in their first overtime game of the season, scored the first three points of the extra session, but Brown answered by scoring the next five points to take a 67-65 lead. A layup by White tied the game at 69-69, but NU committed three turnovers on its next three possessions as Brown had a 73-67 lead with 15 seconds left. A couple of late free throws by Brown’s Tucker Halpern were the difference as Mason’s last second 3-pointer left NU one point short of tying the game.

Niagara returns to MAAC play this weekend with games at Saint Peter’s (Jan. 11 on WBEN 930 AM) and Fairfield (Jan. 13 on WWKB 1520 AM). Fans can listen online via Purple Eagles All Access.