Lawrenceville, NJ - Niagara men's basketball wrapped up the road portion of their schedule falling to Rider 67-62 Sunday afternoon in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action.

The Purple Eagles fell to 7-21, 4-14 MAAC, while the Broncs improved to 4-23, 3-15 MAAC.

Niagara started out on a 6-0 run with a jumper from Justin Hawkins, followed by a three ball from Vice Zanki. Hawkins added another layup and Drew Larson slammed down a dunk to move the lead to 10-5.

Rider answered back with an 8-0 run to take their first lead of the game. Landon Williams halted the Broncs run with a three pointer to knot the game at 13.

Another three from Williams and six points from Will Shortt led the Purple Eagles on a 9-2 run to lead 22-17 with 4:18 remaining in the first half.

The Broncs answered with a 7-1 run of their own to cut the Niagara lead to one, but back-to-back buckets from Zanki gave the Purple Eagles a 28-27 lead at the half.

Shortt started off the second half with a dunk, Rider responded with a 9-3 run to gain a 36-33 advantage, with another dunk from Shortt thwarting the Broncs run.

Josiah Sabino converted on an and-one play to tie the game up once again, this time at 40, but Rider was once again able to get on a run taking a 48-40 lead.

Niagara found their groove from the 11:18 mark until the 5:19 mark going on a 17-2 run with Williams and Hawkins both scoring five points a piece to take a 57-50 lead

Rider returned with a 12-2 burst in the next three and a half minutes to regain a 62-59 advantage.

Shortt brought the Purple Eagles within one with 30 seconds remaining but the Broncs converted on free throws to take the game 67-62.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 26-34 all-time against Rider

Shortt recorded a career-high 18 points going a perfect 8-8 from the field

Hawkins and Griffith both recorded four assists

Zanki scored double-digit points for the ninth time this season

Up Next

Niagara returns home to take on Quinnipiac Friday February 27 at 6:30 PM inside the Gallagher Center.