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LEWISTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Juan Mendez scored a career-high 39 points to lead Niagara to a 113-101 overtime win over Canisius Wednesday.
Niagara (17-7, 12-4 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) held the Golden Griffins without a field goal in overtime until there were just 47 seconds left. Alvin Cruz scored six points and David Brooks had five in overtime for the Purple Eagles.
Canisius forced overtime after Kevin Downey pulled down the rebound off a missed free throw by Brooks. He ran the floor and hit a 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds left to make it 97-97.
Mendez, the leading Canadian scorer in NCAA Division I history, was playing his final home game. He grabbed 13 rebounds and was 17-for-18 from the free-throw line.
Cruz, who had 12 assists, finished with 20 points. Brooks also had 20 points, and J.R. Duffey added 17.
Niagara has won 17 straight at home dating back to last season.
Downey and Dewitt Doss each scored 30 points for Canisius (8-16, 6-9), which played its sixth overtime game of the season.
