Welton scores 24, St. Peter's beats Niagara 72-59

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) Quadir Welton had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Antwon Portley added 21 points and six boards and St. Peter's beat Niagara 72-59 on Friday night.

Welton had 17 and Portley 10 in the first half as the Peacocks (10-13, 8-6 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) built a 38-25 lead.

Emile Blackman's 3-pointer pulled Niagara (6-20, 4-11) within 46-35 early in the second and the Purple Eagles would get no closer. St. Peter's pulled away for good with an 11-5 run to lead 66-47 with 6:36 left.

Marvin Prochet led Niagara with 19 points and eight rebounds. Matt Scott added 15 and Blackman 14.

Both teams had six 3-pointers and 21 field goals. The difference was at the foul line where Saint Peter's made 24 of 30 and Niagara just 11 of 17.

St. Peter's had its second-straight win following a five-game losing streak. Niagara lost its fourth in a row.