Jan 29, 2002
Bridgeport, Conn. -- Michael Schmidt broke a 77-77 tie with a three-point basket with 5.4 seconds remaining, lifting Niagara University (10-11 overall, 6-4 MAAC) to an 80-77 victory over Fairfield University (6-12, 5-6). The win halted the Stags four-game home winning streak, which began on December 11 against St. Francis College.
Niagara owned a seven-point lead with 13:01 left in the game, following a basket by Daryl Greene which gave the Purple Eagles their biggest lead of the second half. The Stags slowly cut into the lead over the next four minutes, eventually tying the score on a layup by Ajou Deng, making the score 64-64 with seven minutes remaining. Deng added a free throw to complete the three-point play, which put Fairfield in the lead for the first time since 44-43 at the 16:47 mark.
In the final seven minutes, the two teams were tied four times and changed leads four times. The Stags last lead came with 1:21 on the clock, as Oscar Garcia completed a three-point play for a 77-76 advantage. Niagara tied the score for the eighth time in the game when Alvin Cruz converted one of two charity tosses with 1:05 left, making the score 77-77. The Stags turned the ball over on their next possession, giving the Purple Eagles a chance to win it with 37 seconds left.
Niagara ran the clock down, until Tremmell Darden found Michael Schmidt. Schmidt shot the ball over a Fairfield defender, his second three-pointer of the night. The Purple Eagles fouled Fairfield in the back court, forcing the Stags into a two-shot foul with 1.9 seconds left. Tyquawn Goode missed the first, and then purposely missed the second. James Reaves pulled down the rebound and ran out the clock for Niagara.
Deng finished the game with 20 points, while Deng Gai and Garcia added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Greene led all scorers with 23 points, followed by Darden's 13 points.
