COL BKB: Niagara 87, Troy St. 83

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 17 (UPI) -- Alvin Cruz hit a clutch three-pointer with 90 seconds left Wednesday night that helped boost Niagara over Troy State in the NIT, 87-83.

Niagara's Tremmell Darden scored seven of his 26 points in the final three minutes.

Juan Mendez added 20 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks for Niagara (22-9), which was coming off a loss to Manhattan in the championship game of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.

The Purple Eagles trailed, 81-80, with 1:50 left following a jumper by Greg Davis. But Cruz made his pivotal basket 20 seconds later and hit a jumper for a four-point edge.

After Davis made two free throws with 17 seconds to go, Darden sealed the win with two free throws.

Making its first NIT appearance since 1993, Niagara will travel to Nebraska on Friday.