Buffalo, NY – Men's basketball snapped a three game losing streak defeating Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius 59-54, Wednesday night at the Koessler Athletic Center. 

The Purple Eagles improved to 5-12, 2-5 MAAC, while the Golden Griffins fell to 8-10, 3-4 MAAC.

Niagara started the contest on a 9-3 run, led by five points from Justin Page and a three pointer from Justin Hawkins. The Purple Eagles extended their lead to 10 at the 9:17 mark off a dunk from Kabeya Tshibangu to give Niagara a 20-10 advantage.

Canisius went on a 13-5 run of their own to cut the deficit down to two, 25-23. The Purple Eagles closed out the first half outsourcing the Golden Griffins 7-5 with another five points from Page and a three ball from Vice Zanki.

The Golden Griffins took the lead 43-41 out of the half, but Niagara bounced back regaining a 55-50 advantage at the 3:39 mark, with Trenton Walters leading with five points, while Landon Williams added three and Page, Sabino and Shortt all recorded two.

Canisius tried mounting a comeback with less than a minute remaining, closing the gap to one point, but the Purple Eagles prevailed, converting on four straight free throws to close out the game.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 113-84 all-time against Canisius

Page led the Purple and White with 19 points, scoring 10+ in his eighth straight game

Hawkins tied a season-high grabbing seven boards in the victory

Both Page and Walters went a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line

The Purple Eagles bench outscored the Golden Griffins' 27-7

Up Next

Niagara returns home to the Gallagher Center to take on Mount St. Mary's Monday January 19 at 2 pm.