NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. — Despite Justin Page's 15 points and Jaeden Marshall's 16 off the bench, Niagara fell to Sacred Heart 86-77 on Saturday at the Gallagher Center.
 
How it Happened
Justice Smith added 13 points for the Purple Eagles (7-13, 2-7), who shot 47.5 percent but couldn't overcome Sacred Heart's hot shooting down the stretch.
 
Mekhi Conner led Sacred Heart (8-12, 4-5) with 18 points and nine assists, while Nyle Ralph-Beyer contributed 16 points off the bench.
 
Niagara kept it close throughout, with 14 lead changes and 11 ties. The Purple Eagles briefly led 52-48 early in the second half after Will Shortt's fast-break dunk, but Sacred Heart responded with a decisive 9-2 run midway through the period.
 
The Purple Eagles cut the deficit to four in the closing minutes but couldn't complete the comeback as Sacred Heart sealed the win at the free-throw line.
 
Niagara Notes
• Saturday was the first meeting all-time between NU and SHU.
• Niagara has shot 45.0 percent or better from the field but is only 1-5 during that span.
• NU matched its season-high with 14 made 3-pointers and 34 3-point field goal attempts.
• The Purple Eagles last lost five-straight games during the 2019-20 season.
• Marshall made four 3-pointers, matching his season-high.
• Jhaylon Martinez grabbed seven rebounds, marking his 11th game this season with five or more rebounds.
• Niagara finished with 20 assists with seven Purple Eagles notching two or more.
 
Up Next
Niagara will travel to the Koessler Athletic Center on Jan. 31 to take on Canisius at 7 p.m.