LEIWSTON, N.Y. -- A.J. English scored 28 points including the game-winning free throws to help Iona escape at Niagara 80-79 on Friday night.

English was driving the length of the court in the final seconds and briefly lost control of his dribble. Wesley Myers dove for the loose ball, but English recovered it just before Myers undercut him, sending English to the foul line with 2.3 seconds.

English finished with seven rebounds and five assists and David Laury added 25 points and 16 rebounds for the Gaels (13-5, 6-1 Metro Atlantic), who remained alone atop the conference standings.

Niagara (3-13, 2-5) trailed 73-63 with 2:26 left but rallied with three steals and three 3-pointers to pull in front twice on Ramone Snowden's 3s in the final 31 seconds.

Snowden scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half and finished with seven rebounds. Emile Blackman added 15 points for the Purple Eagles.