ALBANY, N.Y. — The Niagara Purple Eagles struggled from the opening tip, falling 94-60 to Siena in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup Friday night at MVP Arena.
 
How it Happened
Siena (13-14, 8-8 MAAC) took control early, building a commanding 53-28 halftime lead and never looking back. The Saints were led by Justice Shoats, who finished with a career-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line.
 
Jhaylon Martinez led Niagara (10-16, 5-10 MAAC) with 10 points and six rebounds. Jaeden Marshall added nine points off the bench, while Zion Russell contributed eight points and three assists in the losing effort.
 
The Purple Eagles shot just 42.3 percent from the field and were dominated on the glass, where Siena held a 33-25 rebounding advantage. Niagara also committed 14 turnovers, which the Saints converted into 29 points.
 
Siena's offense was efficient throughout, shooting 56.4 percent from the field and 92.6 percent from the free throw line. The Saints also received strong contributions from Tajae Jones (16 points), Brendan Coyle (12 points) and Gavin Doty (12 points, 10 rebounds).
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 57-59 all-time against Siena following the loss, including 19-32 on the road.
• The Purple Eagles matched their season-high with four blocks, including two from Martinez.
• Martinez notched his 11th double-digit performance of the season.
 
Up Next
Niagara will head to Pughkeepsie, N.Y., for a meeting with Marist on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m.