NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Niagara erased a nine-point second-half deficit and briefly took the lead late, but couldn't hold on as Rider escaped with a 68-65 victory Sunday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.
 
How it Happened
Justice Smith scored 17 points on efficient 7-of-10 shooting and sparked a second-half comeback that saw the Purple Eagles (7-9, 2-3 MAAC) surge ahead 54-53 on Olumide Adelodun's clutch 3-pointer with 5:32 remaining. But T.J. Weeks Jr. answered with a three of his own as Rider (5-11, 1-4) regained control in the back-and-forth finish.
 
Jhaylon Martinez added 13 points and nine rebounds for Niagara, while Adelodun contributed 12 points. The Purple Eagles shot 52.0 percent from the field but were undone by converting just 6-of-10 free throws compared to Rider's 17-of-19.
 
Tank Byard scored seven crucial points in the final 1:10 for the Broncs, including four free throws that sealed the game. Weeks Jr. led Rider with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, as the visitors earned their first MAAC win of the season.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 26-33 all-time against Rider.
• The Purple Eagles finished with a season-high four blocks.
• The loss is Niagara's first when shooting over 47.0 percent from the field.
• Zion Russell finished with a career-high six assists and two blocks.
• Adelodun made four 3-pointers, his third game with at least four this season.
• Smith matched his season-high with 17 points.
• Martinez recorded his seventh game this season with double-digit points.
 
Up Next
The Purple and White will travel to Fairfield, Conn., to take on the Stags on Fairfield University Thursday night at 7 p.m.