Road woes continue as Youngstown St. drops opener to Niagara

LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Tremmell Darden scored 20 points and David Brooks posted 17 to lead Niagara to an 89-80 win over Youngstown State Saturday.
Five Niagara players scored in double figures. James Reaves netted 16 points while Juan Mendez and Alvin Cruz each scored 14.
Niagara led the entire second half and held a five point lead, 64-59, when Reaves and Brooks hit back-to-back 3-pointers with just over nine minutes to go. The baskets sparked a 10-2 run that allowed the Purple Eagles to pull away.
Youngstown State came within six, 78-72, with 4:36 remaining in the second half when Andy Jahnke hit a 3-pointer to cap an 11-4 Penguins run.
Niagara, however, went 9-of-12 from the free throw line the rest of the way to preserve the win.
The Penguins were led by Jahnke, who scored 15 points and went 3-of-6 from 3-point range.
Bill Mallernee and TeJay Anderson each had 14 points.
Niagara went 32-of-45 from the foul line as Youngstown State was whistled for 31 personal fouls in the game.
The first half, which ended with Niagara holding a 38-34 lead, featured eight ties and six lead changes. Youngstown State has not won a regular season road game since February 17, 2001.