NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Despite a strong push to start the second half, Niagara couldn't hold off Manhattan down the stretch in a 72-65 road loss Saturday at Draddy Gymnasium.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (7-11, 2-5 MAAC) erased a four-point halftime deficit by scoring the first six points after intermission, taking a 38-36 lead on Jhaylon Martinez's hook shot with 18:12 remaining. The run highlighted an impressive stretch where Niagara held the advantage for much of the early second half.
 
But Manhattan (8-8, 3-4) weathered the storm and pulled away late behind Masiah Gilyard's 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Jaspers took control with a decisive 10-0 run midway through the second half, turning a tight game into a comfortable margin they wouldn't relinquish.
 
Jahari Williamson led Niagara with 17 points on efficient 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Zion Russell and Justice Smith also reached double figures for the Purple Eagles, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively.
 
The loss marked Niagara's third straight MAAC road defeat, despite shooting a respectable 46.2% from the field. The Purple Eagles led for nearly 24 minutes but couldn't close out the Jaspers on the road.
 
Manhattan sealed the win at the free throw line, where they held a decisive advantage by making 19-of-23 attempts compared to Niagara's 10-of-14.
 
Niagara Notes
• Saturday marked the 98th meeting all-time between Niagara and Manhattan, with the Jaspers taking a 61-37 lead in the all-time series.
• Niagara shot over 45.0 percent from the field for the fifth-straight game.
• The Purple Eagles recorded 16 assists their most in MAAC play this season. Adelodun, Davis, and Page led Niagara with three apiece.
• Niagara has made seven or more 3-pointers in eight consecutive games.
• Williamson led Niagara in scoring for the sixth time this season, recording his 10th game with double-digit points.
• Russell finished with 11 points, his sixth double figure outing in the last seven games.
 
Up Next
Niagara will host Marist on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Gallagher Center.