LEWISTON, N.Y. -- Billy Baron scored a career-high 33 points to help Canisius hold off Niagara 77-70 Sunday in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play.

Harold Washington bounced back from an eight-point outing against Manhattan with 18 points, and Jordan Heath pulled down 12 boards, one short of a career-high.

Niagara (14-11, 10-4) trailed 34-23 at halftime but rallied to its first lead of the half, 53-52, on a free throw by Juan'ya Green with 5:58 remaining and led 64-62 at the 3:13 mark.

However, the Purple Eagles went cold from there, missing their next four shots and two free throws as Canisius (16-9, 8-5) scored 12 straight points to pull away.

Niagara was led by Green's 21 points. T.J. Cline, Devon White, and Ameen Tanksley each had 12.

Canisius outshot Niagara 46 percent (25 of 54) to 39 percent (24 of 62). The Purple Eagles hit just 12 of 23 free throws.