BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Marist men's basketball team picked up a hard-fought road victory Friday night, edging Canisius 88-86 in overtime at the Koessler Athletic Center. Four Red Foxes scored in double figures as Marist improved to 14-7 overall and 8-4 in MAAC play.
Justin Menard led the way with a game-high 22 points, shooting 8-for-13 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.
Elijah Lewis added 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while
Rhyjon Blackwell matched him with 20 points to go along with five rebounds, and three assists.
Parby Kabamba chipped in 11 points and five rebounds off the bench.
Marist trailed early but responded with a 17-0 scoring run midway through the first half to take control and eventually carry a 37-35 lead into halftime.
The second half featured 11 lead changes as the teams traded baskets down the stretch. Canisius briefly took the lead late, but Marist answered with a lob-play with less than five seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force overtime at 73-73.
In the extra period, the Red Foxes shot efficiently and knocked down key free throws to pull ahead. Menard and Lewis combined for nine points in overtime, and Marist sealed the win at the line in the final seconds.
Marist finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 82.1 percent from the foul line, while holding a 40-36 advantage in points in the paint and outscoring Canisius 33-7 off the bench.
The Red Foxes will continue MAAC play on Sunday, when they take on Niagara to wrap the Western New York trip. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
