Niagara University, NY – Niagara completed the season sweep of Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius with a 65-56 final in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action on Tuesday night at the Gallagher Center.

Niagara came out firing in the opening half, the Purple Eagles led with a 7-0 run to start with a three from Vice Zanki, a pair of free throws from Reggie Prudhomme and two from Will Shortt.

The Purple Eagles grew their lead to 16 at the 11:31 mark, highlighted by a dunk from Zanki and an alley-oop thrown down by Shortt off an assist from Trenton Walters.

Threes from Josiah Sabino and Zanki kept Niagara's lead at a healthy gap, but Canisius went on a 17-4 run in the final eight minutes to give the Purple Eagles a 38-33 lead heading into halftime.

The Golden Griffins opened the second half on a 12-7 run to knot the game up at 45 with 11:03 remaining with Sabino and Shortt converting on layups, while Drew Larson knocked down a corner three.

Niagara charged back, holding Canisius scoreless for almost seven minutes going on a 16-0 run. Zanki hit back-to-back threes, while Justin Hawkins added six points.

With the 14 point lead, Canisius tried to mount a comeback but layups from Hawkins and Sabino gave the Purple Eagles a good enough cushion to take down the Golden Griffins 65-56.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 114-84 all-time against Canisius

This was athletic trainer John Munro's 1000 game with the basketball program

The Purple Eagles snapped a five game losing streak, completing the sweep of the Golden Griffins

Four Purple Eagles reached double digits in points, Zanki (14), Sabino (13), Hawkins (11), Shortt (10)

Niagara outrebounded Canisius 31-22

Sabino tied a career-high with two blocks in the victory

Up Next

Niagara heads back on the road to take on Quinnipiac Saturday February 7 at 2 pm in Hamden, Connecticut.