NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. —
Josiah Davis led a trio of double-digit scorers for Niagara with 24 points as the Purple Eagles pulled away in the second half for a 71-60 victory over Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius on Wednesday night.
How it Happened
Davis shot 8-of-12 from the field and made 8-of-9 free throws to lead all scorers.
Jhaylon Martinez added 13 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting and grabbed four rebounds for the Purple Eagles (10-14, 5-8 MAAC) and
Jaeden Marshall finished with 11 points in 27 minutes off the bench.
Niagara never trailed after the opening minutes and maintained control throughout, though Canisius (2-22, 2-11) kept it competitive early. The Purple Eagles led 36-31 at halftime and gradually extended their advantage in the second half, leading by as many as 11 points.
Gianni Thompson scored 17 points and Paul McMillan IV added 16 for Canisius.
Niagara dominated inside, outscoring Canisius 42-32 in the paint while shooting 47.1 percent overall. The Purple Eagles also capitalized on 15 Golden Griffin turnovers, converting them into 13 points.
Niagara Notes
• Wednesday marked the 195th meeting all-time between Niagara and Canisius, with the Purple Eagles extending their series lead to 111-84.
• Niagara has won six-straight home games against Canisius, while sweeping the Griffs for first time since 2021-22.
• The Purple and White have completed the regular season sweep of Canisius for the 15th time since both teams joined the MAAC in 1989-90.
• Niagara recorded a season-high 20 made free throws.
• Davis' 24 points matches his career-best performance he set last season at Tennesse Tech against SIUE on Feb. 22, 2024. The Canadian guard set Purple Eagles single season highs in points and field goals made.
• Niagara has shot 43.0 percent or better from the field in each of its 10 wins this season.
• The Purple Eagles committed nine turnovers, tied for the their third-fewest in a game this season.
• NU finished with eight steals giving it eight games this season with at least eight.
Up Next
• The Purple and White will take on Mount St. Mary's on Friday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Gallagher Center.
