Marist Red Foxes vs Niagara Purple Eagles
Niagara holds off Marist in MAAC opener, 78-76
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Antoine Mason poured in 38 points, helping No. 11 seed hold on to upset sixth-seeded Marist 78-76 in the first round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament on Thursday night.
The Purple Eagles (7-25) jumped out to an early 16-3 lead, and pushed that to 43-24 at halftime. A Marcus Ware layup gave them a 24-point lead with 13:28 remaining.
Marist (12-19) stormed back with a 30-10 run capped by a Chavaughn Lewis three-point play to pull within two with 1:21 left. Mason and Lewis exchanged layups, and Khallid Hart answered two Marvin Jordan free throws with a layup with 16 seconds left.
After two missed free throws by Mason, Hart couldn't connect on a 3-pointer in the final seconds.
Niagara shot 60 percent from the field, with Ware chipping in 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Purple Eagles will play third-seeded Quinnipiac on Saturday in the quarterfinals.
Game Information
Springfield, MA
Referee:Steve Ruppenthal
Referee:Gary Prager
Referee:Jeffrey Anderson
2025-26 Standings
| Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 17-3 | - | 23-11 |
| Saint Peter's | 14-6 | 3 | 17-12 |
| Siena | 13-7 | 4 | 23-12 |
| Marist | 12-8 | 5 | 19-12 |
| Quinnipiac | 12-8 | 5 | 19-13 |
| Fairfield | 11-9 | 6 | 21-13 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 11-9 | 6 | 15-17 |
| Iona | 10-10 | 7 | 18-14 |
| Sacred Heart | 9-11 | 8 | 14-19 |
| Manhattan | 8-12 | 9 | 12-20 |
| Canisius | 5-15 | 12 | 10-21 |
| Niagara | 5-15 | 12 | 8-22 |
| Rider | 3-17 | 14 | 4-25 |
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