BRIDGEDPORT, Conn. – The Niagara Purple Eagles picked up a gritty 55-53 road win against the Fairfield Stags to halt a four-game skid on Thursday night.

The Purple Eagles, who led by as many  as 14 points in the second half, made key plays on offense and defense to hold off a late Fairfield push.

"I thought our guys stayed tough when we needed to," head coach Chris Casey said. "We made a couple of big free throws and got a couple of big baskets during some chaotic moments down the stretch. It was a good win for our team."

Dominique Reid, celebrating his 20th birthday, led NU with 14 points and 11 rebounds for his team-leading fourth double-double of the season. Wesley Myers scored 13 points and added three assists, while Ramone Snowden and James Suber scored nine and eight points, respectively.

Niagara (5-21, 4-13 MAAC) held Fairfield (6-21, 4-13 MAAC) to 16 first half points, the fewest NU has allowed this season, on 5 of 23 shooting. A 3-pointer by Snowden capped an 11-2 run to give the Purple Eagles a 25-13 lead with 2:17 on the clock, and NU then entered halftime up 26-16.

Niagara used a 7-0 run to increase its lead to the largest of the game, 35-21, with 14:32. However, the Stags answered with a 16-2 run over the next 6:26 to tie the score at 37-37. With the score knotted at 39-39 with six minutes left, a Reid layup sparked a 7-2 spurt.  

Fairfield trimmed the lead to 47-44 with 1:32 remaining, but NU responded on the next possession when Reid's floater bounced in for a 49-44 lead with 44 seconds left. NU iced the game by going 4-for-5 at the free-throw line to seal its third straight win at Fairfield.

NU finished with a healthy 34-16 points in the paint advantage and a 40-26 rebounding advantage.

"We defended really well in the first half and rebounded the entire game, and that's what gets you wins on the road," Casey said.

The Purple Eagles continue their road trip on Saturday when they face the Rider Broncs at 2 p.m.