Benn helps Niagara beat Drexel in early-morning tilt

LEWISTON, N.Y. - Once the frost burned off the grass, former Villanova player and Cherokee High star Bilal Benn heated up to score 10 of his 19 points in the second half of Niagara's 76-69 win this morning over Drexel in a game that started at 8 a.m.

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

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 with 10 seconds left. Thomas finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Drexel.

Niagara, which took the lead for good on Garrison's 3-point basket midway through the first half, appeared to take control to start the second half. Benn hit a 3-pointer 32 seconds into the period to put Niagara ahead 45-30.

The Purple Eagles were without senior guard Tyrone Lewis, who hurt his left foot in the team's season-opening 69-65 loss at Auburn last week. Listed day to day, Lewis, the former Truman star, sat on the bench in street clothes and wore a protective boot. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference defensive player of the year last season, Lewis finished fourth in the nation with 91 steals while also leading Niagara in scoring with 16.2 points per game.

It was a raucous environment for such an early tip-off as many fans came dressed in purple pajamas and bathrobes.

The Purple Eagles also used the game - their home-opener - to unveil their NIT banner following last season's 26-9 finish. It was Niagara's fourth postseason berth, including two NCAA tournament appearances, in six seasons.

Niagara also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the their first NCAA tournament berth with coach Frank Layden - who went on to coach and manage the Utah Jazz - and former star Calvin Murphy on hand.

"Seems like yesterday," said Murphy, who became a star for the Houston Rockets. "I still get goose bumps when I come in here."