RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Niagara University men's basketball team put in a valiant effort in its attempt for a series sweep of the two-time defending MAAC champion Manhattan Jaspers on Sunday before falling, 69-64.

"We grinded really hard and came back a few times, but we have to handle the ball better," head coach Chris Casey said. "We had some untimely charges and we needed to make a few more free throws, but I thought we defended well. We have to mature and grow into on being able to grind it offensively as well as defensively. We are learning that, and we will go home and get ready for Canisius."

The Purple Eagles, who trailed 39-31 at halftime, tied the game at 46-46 with 12:49 remaining on a jumper by Matt Scott. After five straight points by the Jaspers (7-10, 4-4 MAAC), Scott trimmed the deficit to 52-51 with 10 minutes left as the remainder of the game would be played in a six-point window.

NU (5-14, 3-5 MAAC) trailed 62-57 with 3:20 left when a layup by Scott and a dunk by Emile Blackman in 44 seconds brought Niagara to 62-61; it would be the closest NU would get. The Purple Eagles had a chance to tie or take the lead on their next possession, but committed a turnover. Manhattan's Zane Waterman made a jumper on its next possession for 64-61 lead heading into the final minute. NU committed another turnover on its next possession as the Jaspers iced the game from the foul line.

Four Purple Eagles were in double figures for the third time this season. Matt Scott had team-highs with 21 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Emile Blackman finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, Chris Barton scored a career-high 13 points and Karonn Davis had 10 points.  

The Purple Eagles return home to host archrival Canisius in a nationally-televised matchup on ESPNU on Friday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.  The game will also air live on the Niagara Sports Network via AM 1400 WWWS and PurpleEagles.com/Watch.

For ticket information, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-8499 or Tickets@Niagara.edu.

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