BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- Juan Mendez had 18 points, including the go-ahead bucket with 1:09 left, to lead Niagara to a 78-74 win over Fairfield on Saturday.
Mendez also led the Purple Eagles (16-7, 11-4 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) with 11 rebounds. All five starters for Niagara finished in double figures. Niagara shot 46 percent in the first half and led 48-35 at the break.
Terrance Todd scored a game-high 24 points and had seven rebounds for Fairfield (12-11, 9-5). The Stags never led but tied it at 74-74 on a pair of Deng Gai free throws with 1:38 remaining.
Mendez put Niagara back in front for good with an eight-foot jumper. He also led the Purple Eagles with three steals. Alvin Cruz added 16 points for Niagara.
Gai finished with 16 points and three blocks for the Stags.
