Recap: Niagara vs. New Mexico St

Niagara Falls, NY (Sports Network) - A pair of free throws by Antoine Mason with under 10 seconds remaining gave the Niagara Purple Eagles some breathing room as they recorded an 86-83 win over the New Mexico State Aggies in regional action of the 2K Sports Classic at the Gallagher Center.

Mason finished the meeting with 19 points for the Purple Eagles (2-2), trailing only Juan'ya Green in that department as the guard produced 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the floor. Marvin Jordan accounted for 15 points and Scooter Gillette 10 points in a reserve role.

The Aggies (1-3) were paced by Daniel Mullings who dropped in 26 points and ripped down seven rebounds in the setback. Tshilidzi Nephawe responded with a double-double consisting of 14 points and 10 rebounds, but he also turned the ball over five times. Bandja Sy chipped in 10 points as well.

New Mexico State assumed control in the first half, shooting a sizzling 63.3 percent from the floor en route to a 48-32 advantage at the break.

In the second half the Aggies cooled to 9-of-23 (.391) from the field and that allowed Niagara to battle back as the hosts made good on 56.3 percent from the floor and 14-of-17 at the charity stripe to secure the close call.

NMSU was troubled by 24 turnovers in the outing.