Niagara University, NY – Niagara fell to Fairfield 83-75 Sunday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.

The Purple Eagles fell to 4-10, 1-3 MAAC, while the Stags improved to 9-7, 1-4 MAAC.

Niagara found itself in an early hole as Fairfield dominated the opening period. The Purple Eagles managed just 31 first-half points while shooting 14-of-25 from the field, including a modest 3-of-9 from three-point range.

Justin Page provided early offense with five quick points, connecting on a layup and a three-pointer assisted by Landon Williams in the game's opening minutes to take an early 5-0 lead.

The Stags grew a nine point advantage at the 13:03 mark, but back-to-back-to-back layups from Josiah Sabino, Page and Will Shortt cut it to a three point deficit.

Fairfield once again grew their lead to 12 with 4:37 remaining in the first half. Shortt, Reggie Prudhomme and Brian Griffith cut the lead to 10 with the Purple Eagles went to the locker room trailing 41-31, facing an uphill battle in the second half.

Page caught fire in the second half, pouring in 16 of his game-high 21 points after intermission. The senior guard knocked down four three-pointers in the period, repeatedly bringing Niagara back within striking distance.

Back-to-back baskets from Hawkins brought it to a 45-42 game. Fairfield brought it back to a 10 point game with 8:09 left in the game.

10 straight points from Page made it a 69-68 game with 4:23 remaining in the second half.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 49-39 all-time against Fairfield

Page recorded his second straight 20 point game leading the Purple and White with 21 points

Shortt recorded a career-high four blocks

Up Next

Niagara heads back on the road to Iona Friday January 9 at 7 pm.