EAST LANSING, Mich. — Niagara hung tough with Michigan State for much of the first half before ultimately falling 96-60 to the Spartans on Thursday night at the Breslin Center.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-1) showed early promise, building a 9-2 lead in the opening minutes behind sharp 3-point shooting from Jahari Williamson and Jhaylon Martinez. Niagara connected on 7-of-15 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half and trailed by just seven points, 46-39, at the break.
 
Olumide Adelodun led Niagara with 13 points, while Williamson added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. Martinez contributed 10 points on efficient 4-of-5 shooting before being limited by foul trouble.
 
The Purple Eagles' hot shooting couldn't carry over into the second half, as they shot just 28.6 percent from the field and 2-of-11 from 3-point range after the break.
 
Michigan State took control with a 50-point second half performance. Jaxon Kohler led Michigan State (2-0) with 20 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.
 
Niagara Notes
• Thursday marked the first-ever meeting between Niagara and Michigan State.
• The Purple Eagles move to 4-17 all-time against the Big Ten.
• Niagara had three players with double-digits in the scoring column.
• The Purple and White had 28 rebounds as a team, led by Justice Smith and Adelodun with five apiece.
• Smith also held a share of the team lead in assists with Josiah Davis, finishing with four.
• The Purple Eagle bench finished with 18 points.
 
Up Next
Niagara will head to Detroit, Mich., to take on Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.