AMHERST, N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles were unable to snap their losing streak to Big 4 foes in an 88-62 setback at the Buffalo Bulls on Friday night.

Sophomore Emile Blackman led Niagara (1-7) in scoring for the third time this season with 15 points and Wesley Myers added 14 points, including draining four 3-pointers which are a season-high by a Purple Eagle. Buffalo (7-2) had four players in double figures, including Justin Moss and Xavier Ford who had double-doubles.

NU had a 25-19 advantage in bench points, but UB's size in the frontcourt made the difference as the Bulls outscored the Purple Eagles in the paint, 36-16. Niagara led 3-0 after 16 seconds, including scoring a point prior to the tip-off. UB's Shannon Evans was given a Class B technical foul for dunking during warmups. Karonn Davis would make 1 of 2 free throws.

Niagara led through the opening 3-plus minutes, though beginning at the 12-minute mark, the Bulls went on a 9-1 run to take a 20-11 lead. NU would gradually chip away at the deficit and cut the lead to two points after a 3-pointer by Ramone Snowden with 3:41 remaining in the half. However, UB ended the half on a 10-2 spurt for a 38-28 halftime advantage. The Bulls rode the momentum from the end of the first half to build a 49-30 lead four minutes into the second half, as they pulled away for the decisive win.

The Purple Eagles, who are now 29-16 in their last 45 meetings against Big 4 teams, have lost their last nine Big 4 matchups.

"They played extremely well," head coach Chris Casey said. "We didn't respond to their physical play and did not compete hard enough in the second half."

The Purple Eagles return to the Gallagher Center to begin a four-game homestand on Tuesday, Dec. 23 against Arkansas State at 7 p.m. There will be an "Ugly Sweater Party" with fans receiving a t-shirt and a game ticket for $10. For ticket information contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-8499.