Fairfield 76, Niagara 72

2/3/2008 3:26 PM

LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) -Jonathan Han recorded a team-high 16 points to go with nine assists as Fairfield recorded a 76-72 victory over Niagara Sunday afternoon in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play.

Fairfield (8-14, 6-6 MAAC) also got 15 points from Herbie Allen and 10 points each from Greg Nero, Anthony Johnson and Yorel Hawkins. Fairfield, which made its first 18 free throws, sank 20-of-23 free throws.

Niagara (13-7, 7-4 MAAC) was led by Stanley Hodge, who had a career-high 21 points. Charron Fisher added 18 points while Benson Egemonye and Tyrone Lewis added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Fairfield opened a 31-18 lead when Han converted a fast-break attempt at 8:31. The Stags opened the game making their first four three-point field goal attempts.

Warren Edney gave the Stags a 14-point lead, 41-27, when he sank a 15-foot jump shot with 3:26 to play.

The Stags made all 13 of their free throws in the first half and held a 45-36 lead at halftime. Allen had 11 points while Han added nine.

Niagara opened the second half with a 7-0 run before Han answered with a three-pointer to spark an 8-3 run and give Fairfield a 53-45 lead.

The Purple Eagles tied the game, 57-57, at 11:47 when Andrew Patterson sank his second-straight three pointer.

Egemonye dunked after picking up a loose ball to give Niagara a 60-59 lead at 10:20. Han then made two free throws at 6:19 to give Fairfield a 66-64 lead.

Mike Evanovich sank a three-pointer at 5:43 to play and a 69-64 lead. Niagara cut the lead to two points, the last being 74-72, on two Hodge free throws with 11.2 seconds left but could not tie the game.