Feb. 5, 2005
Box Score
LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) - Juan Mendez scored 28 points and pulled down 11
rebounds to lead Niagara to a 79-68 win over Marist on Saturday.
Leading 28-21 at halftime, Niagara (14-6, 9-3 Metro Atlantic Athletic
Conference) opened with an 11-1 run in the second half and led by as many as 17
after a Mendez basket at 16:56.
Marist (10-10, 7-4 MAAC) cut the lead to single digits with an 11-2 run
capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Brandon Ellerbee and Jared Jordan, and
eventually trimmed the lead to three after a 3-pointer by Ellerbee followed by
a field goal from Jordan 51 seconds later.
Niagara rebuilt the lead, going 15-for-15 from the free throw line over the
game's final 5:19.
David Brooks scored 20 points for the Purple Eagles, who extended their
winning streak to five games. Alvin Cruz had 15 points and was a perfect 9-9 on
free throws.
Jordan scored 23 points for Marist, Will Whittington had 15.
Niagara won its 15th straight at home.
Marist has lost its last three games after suspending its No. 2 scorer,
senior Will McClurkin, Jan. 28.
