Niagara holds off Cleveland State 79-77 (Dec 19, 2017)

By AP
Published

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) Kahlil Dukes scored 21 and hit a key 3-pointer with 2:17 left to help Niagara hold off Cleveland State 79-77 on Tuesday night.

The teams traded 11-1 runs in the final 7 1/2 minutes. The Purple Eagles (6-6) used their run to build a 73-62 lead and the Vikings' response cut the deficit back to one with 3 1/2 minutes left.

Dukes' 3-pointer ended Cleveland State's rally, making it 77-73. Niagara made 2 of 4 free throws to retain the lead and Marvin Prochet's block of Stefan Kenic and steal from Tyree Appleby - both in the final seconds - sealed the win.

Matt Scott added 14 points and 13 rebounds and Prochet had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles.

Jamarcus Hairston had a career-high 17 points, and Anthony Wright and Kenny Carpenter added 16 each for the Vikings (3-7).