The Niagara Purple Eagles played like a team that had rediscovered its winning ways Monday — for a half.
Then they reverted back to the struggling bunch that rarely won in January.
After leading by 14 at halftime, Niagara shot 29 percent the rest of the way and allowed 47 second-half points in a 70-62 loss at Rider.
It was the second time this year Rider has overcome a double-digit halftime deficit to beat Niagara.
“It was a disappointing loss,” coach Joe Mihalich said. “We let a great opportunity slip away.”
The loss drops Niagara (13-13, 6-8) into a sixth-place tie with Canisius in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings while Rider (14-12, 7-7) takes sole possession of fifth place.
The Purple Eagles led 51-40 with 12:26 left before the Broncs went on an 18-1 ending with a dunk by Ryan Thompson, who tied a career-high with 31 points.
Tyrone Lewis, who led Niagara with 17 points, hit 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to make it a three-point game inside of three minutes, but Rider scored the next six points.
Bilal Benn had 10 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Purple Eagles. Anthony Nelson had nine points, nine rebounds and five assists. Demetrius Williamson scored 13 points and Kashief Edwards added nine.
Niagara shot 35.5 percent from the floor in the game and was just 9 of 19 from the free throw line.
Sports
February 8, 2010
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Niagara blows 14-point lead in loss at Rider
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