Niagara 86, St. Francis (Pa.) 69
How Niagara Won: Inside domination throughout the first half. That's right. Joe Thomas and T.J. Cline led the way on the interior, accounting for 18 points and 11 rebounds, as the hosts bolted to a 45-24 cushion by intermission. It got a little ragged in the second half, and a little tense too, as the Red Flash drew within eight before Niagara settled.
Players of the Game: True freshman T.J. Cline and sophomore guard Juan'ya Green. Cline had 12 of his 15 in the first half and Green of 15 of his 17 in the second half. Green also handed out five assists.
Steady Antoine: Antoine Mason went 5 for 8 from the field in both halves in scoring 25 points.
Stat Check: Niagara won the boards, 45-34. It was 29-11 at halftime.
Stat Check II: The Purple Eagles made 32 of 62 field goal attempts (51.6 percent).
Keep an Eye On: The development of Niagara freshman guard Tahjere McCall. There's so much natural ability there it's scary.
What It Means: Niagara improved to 1-1.
Next Up: Bucknell, an NCAA Tournament contender, visits the Gallagher Center at 7 Friday night.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
College basketball | Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference | Niagara
