LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) -Once the frost burned off the grass, Bilal Benn heated up to score 10 of his 19 points in the second half in Niagara's 76-69 win over Drexel in a game that started at 8 a.m.

Benn finished with 14 rebounds as the Purple Eagles (1-1) hung on Tuesday after nearly blowing a 10-point lead over the final 4 minutes. Rob Garrison scored 20 points and sealed the win by hitting six free throws in the final 58 seconds.

Advertisement

Gerald Colds led Drexel (0-2) with 18 points and nearly rallied the Dragons. He hit two 3-point baskets in the final 78 seconds, including one with 24 seconds left to cut Niagara's lead to 72-69.

The Dragons had a chance to tie the game, but Derrick Thomas missed a 3-point shot, and teammate Samme Givens secured the rebound but stepped on the end line.