NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Despite a late surge that tied the game with 9.7 seconds remaining, the Sacred Heart University men's basketball team fell 64–61 at Niagara on Friday evening in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action. Dashon Gittens fueled the Pioneers' comeback, scoring 16 of his team-high 18 points in the second half.

Gittens led three Pioneers in double figures, while Yann Farell and Fallou Gueye each added 10 points.

Records
Sacred Heart: 5–10 (1–3 MAAC)
Niagara: 4–9 (1–2 MAAC)

Leaders
Dashon Gittens: 18 points, 7 rebounds
Yann Farell: 10 points, 2 rebounds
Fallou Gueye: 10 points, 3 rebounds

How It Happened
Sacred Heart dominated the final five minutes. After Niagara drained a three-pointer at the 5:05 mark to extend its lead to 61–47, the Pioneers answered with a 14–0 run. Gittens accounted for nine points during the stretch, while Farell added five clutch points. A driving layup by Gittens with 9.7 seconds remaining tied the contest at 61–61.

After being held scoreless for more than five minutes, Niagara connected on a go-ahead three-pointer in the closing seconds to avoid overtime and secure the 64–61 victory.

The Pioneers were forced to play from behind early, as Niagara opened the game on an 11–2 run. Sacred Heart cut into the deficit late in the first half, using a 7–1 run to pull within three at 28–21 with 4:15 remaining. Niagara responded before the break and carried a 32–24 advantage into halftime.

Sacred Heart shot 40.7 percent (11-of-27) from the field and knocked down four three-pointers in the second half.

Of Note
• Gittens scored in double figures for the 13th time this season.
• Farell reached double figures for the third straight game and eighth time this year.
• Gueye scored in double figures for the fourth time this season.

Up Next
Sacred Heart concludes its Western New York trip on Sunday, Jan. 4, at Canisius. Tipoff is set for noon.