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.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.