Niagara University, NY – Niagara overcame a second-half deficit to defeat Iona 70-68 in a tightly contested MAAC battle at Gallagher Center on Sunday afternoon.

The Purple Eagles improved to 7-19 overall and 4-12 in MAAC play, while the Gaels fell to 15-12 and 7-9 in conference action.

The Purple Eagles came out firing, establishing an early rhythm behind hot three-point shooting. Justin Hawkins opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and Niagara connected on 7-of-12 from beyond the arc in the opening period.

Brian Griffith provided a spark off the bench with six first-half points, including a pair of crucial three-pointers late in the half. Vice Zanki added seven points, helping Niagara build momentum despite the game featuring 10 ties and 18 lead changes throughout.

Trenton Walters was aggressive attacking the basket, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. The Purple Eagles' bench outscored Iona's reserves 23-13 in the first half, with Griffith leading the way.

Niagara closed the half strong, with Griffith and Zanki combining for the final eight points to give the Purple Eagles a 34-30 halftime advantage. The Purple Eagles 46.2% from the field and 58.3% from three-point range in the opening 20 minutes.

The Purple Eagles extended their lead to eight points early in the second half, pushing ahead 45-37 on a Drew Larson tip-in at the 12:31 mark. 

The Gaels took their first lead of the second half at 52-45 following an Anthony three-pointer with 8:32 remaining capping off a 16-0 run. Niagara responded immediately, as Griffith hit a three and followed it up with a layup to cut the lead to three.

Griffith's three-pointer at 5:42 gave Niagara a 56-55 lead. Iona quickly answered but Griffith added four more points to keep the Purple Eagles in front.

The Gaels went on an 11-4 run in the next five minutes to garner a 68-66 lead. Griffith once again came in clutch, burying two free throws to knot the game up at 68 with 39 seconds left.

On the final possession, Hawkins drove to the basket and converted a layup with five seconds left on a goaltending call, assisted by Griffith, to give Niagara the 70-68 victory.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 41-56 all-time against Iona

Griffith posted a season-high 17 points to lead the Purple and White

All nine Purple Eagles that played scored a basket

Niagara shot 50% from the field and from three for the third time this season

The Purple Eagles recorded 40 bench points compared to the Gaels 28

Up Next
Niagara heads back on the road to take on Mount St. Mary's Friday February 20 at 7 pm in Emmitsburg, Md.