Lewis hits go-ahead 3-pointer, 6th-seeded Niagara beats 3rd-seeded Iona 68-64 in quarterfinals
By APSunday, March 7, 2010
Niagara defeats Iona 68-64
ALBANY, N.Y. — Tyrone Lewis scored 21 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer, and added 10 rebounds as sixth-seeded Niagara knocked off third-seeded Iona 68-64 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals on Saturday night.
Bilal Benn had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Purple Eagles (18-14), who will face second-seeded Fairfield, a 67-57 winner over Canisius, in Sunday’s semifinals.
Scott Machado had 17 points and Alejo Rodriguez added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Gaels (21-10).
Niagara overcame a halftime deficit for only the second time this season.
After Lewis’ 3-pointer gave Niagara a 56-54 lead with less than 2 minutes to go, the Purple Eagles clinched the win by hitting 12 of 14 foul shots in the final 1:25.
Niagara was 33 of 38 from the line (86.8 percent).
Iona cut the lead to 66-64 with 6 seconds left, but couldn’t get any closer.
