DETROIT, Mich.— Despite a sharp-shooting performance and four players in double figures, Niagara fell to Detroit Mercy 84-78 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Calihan Hall.
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-2) led by as many as 12 points in the first half but couldn't hold off a second-half surge from the Titans (2-1), ultimately succumbing in the extra period despite a strong shooting performance from beyond the arc.
Olumide Adelodun led Niagara with 20 points, including six 3-pointers, while
Justice Smith added 17 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting.
Jaeden Marshall provided a spark off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Niagara appeared in control early, building a 34-29 halftime advantage behind Adelodun's hot shooting and strong defensive play that limited Detroit Mercy to just 33.0 percent in the opening period.
The Purple Eagles extended their lead to 70-63 with under four minutes remaining in regulation after a layup by Smith. However, Detroit Mercy mounted a late comeback, forcing overtime at 72-72.
In the extra period, Niagara struggled to find its offensive rhythm, shooting just 2-of-8 from the field. Smith's late 3-pointer cut the deficit to 82-78 with 14 seconds remaining, but it proved too little too late as Detroit Mercy sealed the victory at the free-throw line.
The Purple Eagles shot 42.2 percent from the field and connected on 13-of-34 attempts from 3-point range. Their bench provided significant production with 28 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Detroit Mercy's dominant 49-28 rebounding advantage.
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 5-6 all-time against Detroit Mercy.
• The Purple and White made a season-high 13 3-pointers. It was the second time this season NU has had 10 or more 3-pointers in a game.
• Niagara also set season-highs in field goal attempts (64), and 3-point field goal attempts (34).
• Adeloudun matched his career-high with six 3-pointers, becoming the first Purple Eagle to record five or more triples in a game since Feb. 18, 2024.
• Marshall grabbed seven boards, matching his career-high set on Feb. 11, 2023. He also matched his career-best with three steals.
Up Next
Niagara will travel to Bowling Green on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to take on the Falcons at 7 p.m.
