Appleby's 16 sparks Cleveland State past Niagara, 82-60

Dec 20, 2018, 03:06 am

CLEVELAND -- Tyree Appleby scored 16 points and led five players into double-figure scoring as Cleveland State ran away from Niagara in the second half to post an 82-60 victory Wednesday night.

The win closes out the Vikings' nonconference schedule with five wins in 13 games. They open Horizon League play against Oakland on Dec. 28.

Marvin Prochet tipped in a basket and later added two free throws in the final minute of the first half as Niagara cut its deficit to just four at intermission, 32-28. James Towns hit a 3 at the start of the second half as the Purple Eagles got within one, 32-31, but Appleby answered with a 3 and a layup to spark an 11-2 run that put the Vikings up 43-33.

Appleby hit 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, grabbed eight rebounds and dished four assists for Cleveland State (5-8). Rashad Williams and Stefan Kenic each added 14 points and Kasheem Thomas contributed 13.

James Towns had 18 points for Niagara (5-5).