KENT, Ohio — Niagara's second-half surge fell short Thursday night as Kent State held on for a 76-73 victory at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
 
How it Happened
Niagara trailed 40-28 at halftime and trailed by as much as 17-points before mounting a second-half comeback effort. However,  despite outscoring the Golden Flashes 45-36 after halftime, NU could not complete the comeback.
 
Jahari Williamson and Jaeden Marshall each scored 17 points for Niagara to lead the comeback attempt. Williamson's 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining cut Kent State's lead to 74-73, but Morgan Safford sealed the win with two free throws.
 
Marshall provided a lift off the bench, hitting all six of his free throws and connecting on two crucial 3-pointers in the second half.
 
Zion Russell added 11 points for the Purple Eagles, who shot 42.9% in the second half and converted 16-of-19 free throws during their comeback attempt.
 
Safford led Kent State (3-1) with 17 points, while VonCameron Davis added 15.
 
The Purple Eagles' defense tightened after the break, forcing seven second-half turnovers and holding the Golden Flashes to 43.5% shooting.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 2-10 all-time against Kent State.
• NU's 45 second half points matches its season-high set in the season opener against Houghton on Nov. 4.
• The Purple Eagles matched their season-high with 18 made free throws, with 16 coming in the second half.
• Marshall's season-high six makes at the line are the most by a Purple Eagle this season.
• Williamson and Marshall both scored a season-high 17 points.
• Russell finished with double-digit points for the fourth time in his collegiate career and first time as a Purple Eagle.
 
Up Next
Niagara will head to Easton, Pa., for the Lafayette Classic where it will take on Binghamton, the host Lafayette and LIU Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.