NIAGARA, N.Y. — The Marist men's basketball team put together a complete road performance on Sunday afternoon, knocking off Niagara, 58-46, at the Gallagher Center to improve to 15-7 overall and 9-4 in MAAC play.
Marist set the tone early with its defense, limiting Niagara to just 25.9 percent shooting in the first half while building a 27-19 advantage at the break. The Red Foxes led for more than 34 minutes of game time and never trailed in the opening half.
Rhyjon Blackwell paced Marist with a game-high 13 points, while Elijah Lewis added 10 points and six rebounds. Jadin Collins-Roberts and Justin Menard chipped in nine points apiece, with Menard also knocking down a key three-pointer during a second-half push that helped Marist regain control after Niagara briefly took the lead early in the period.
The Purple Eagles cut the margin to one midway through the second half, but Marist responded with an 11-4 run, highlighted by baskets from Lewis, Menard, and Blackwell, to extend the lead back to double digits. From there, the Red Foxes closed out the win at the free-throw line and with continued defensive pressure.
Marist finished the game shooting 42.9 percent from the field and held Niagara to 29.1 percent overall. The Red Foxes also outscored the Purple Eagles 28-18 in the paint and forced 15 turnovers.
The Red Foxes will be back in action on Thursday, Feb. 5, when Marist plays host to Rider inside the McCann Center. Tip-off is set for 7 PM on ESPN+.
