Niagara, NY -- David Brooks led five Niagara players in double figures with 15 points, as the Purple Eagles survived a 73-71 contest with the Iona Gaels in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action from the Gallagher Center.

Iona had a chance to win the contest with a three-pointer by Steve Burtt, but his shot was ruled to be taken after the final buzzer.

The victory was the third in a row and the fourth in the last five games for Niagara (9-4, 4-1 MAAC). Juan Mendez and Alvin Cruz each tallied 14 points, with Mendez also pulling down 10 boards and Cruz dishing out 11 assists. Lorenzo Miles and James Mathis advanced the Purple Eagles' effort with 10 points apiece.

Charles Henson and Ricky Soliver were the high men for Iona (4-9, 0-4), netting 14 points each. Burtt finished with 12 points, while Marvin McCullough chipped in 10.

The Gaels controlled the game early on, grabbing a 19-13 lead midway through the first half. Niagara stormed back with a 27-15 run in the final 10 minutes to take a 40-34 advantage into the intermission.

Iona reclaimed the lead briefly in the second half, but the Purple Eagles responded and put themselves in position to win, 73-71, with three seconds remaining. The Gaels put a scare into Niagara with Burtt's final three-point attempt tickled the twine, but the shot was deemed too late.

Iona dropped its third straight game and fell to 0-7 on the road.