NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.—First-year Mekhi Conner scored a career-high 18 points, leading four players in double figures as the Sacred Heart University men's basketball team picked up its second consecutive road win on Saturday afternoon, taking down Niagara 86-77 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action on Saturday afternoon.  

Conner had his second straight double-figure performance as Nyle Ralph-Beyer (16), Anquan Hill (15), and Tanner Thomas (12) rounded out the double-digit scorers for Sacred Heart.

Records:
Sacred Heart: 8-12, (4-5 MAAC)
Niagara: 7-13, (2-7 MAAC)

Leaders:
Mekhi Conner: 18 points, 9 assists 
Nyle Ralph-Beyer: 16 points, 4-6 3PT FG 
Anquan Hill: 15 points, 4 rebounds
Tanner Thomas: 12 points, 5 rebounds 

Of Note:
Neither team led by more than five through the opening 12 minutes of play until a Fallou Gueye triple and a Tanner Thomas layup gave SHU a seven-point edge, 21-14. However, Niagara went on a 9-0 run of all three-pointers to come from behind and take a 23-21 lead. A Conner layup and Hill triple gave SHU the lead back; however, neither team led by more than two until a Purple Eagle trey gave the home team a 35-32 lead. 

Trailing by two with 1:12 left in the half, Thomas made a turnaround jumper followed by a Hill three-pointer to send the Pios into halftime with a 41-38 edge. 

After only scoring three points in the opening half, Nyle Ralph-Beyer was clutch for the Pioneers in the second half, scoring 13, including three triples. 

Through the first 15 minutes of the second half, neither team led by more than four points until a Bryce Johnson three-pointer and a Ralph-Beyer layup put SHU ahead by seven, 74-67.

Niagara pulled within four twice, but Sacred Heart added to their lead, including seven points for Conner in the final two minutes of play to give the Pioneers the 86-77 final.

Sacred Heart shot 55.6% (30-54) from the field and had 11 three-pointers in the win. SHU also held the advantage in rebounds, 32-28. 

Conner's shooting was nearly perfect as he went 6-for-7 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. He was one assist away from a second straight points and assists double-double.  Ralph-Beyer also had an impressive outing for SHU, shooting 71% (5-for-7) from the field and 4-for-6 from behind the arc. 

Up Next: 
Sacred Heart returns to action at home on Sunday, February 2 at 2:00 pm, hosting Manhattan University in the William H. Pitt Center.