Niagara, NY -- Tremmell Darden poured in a game-high 26 points while leading the Niagara Purple Eagles to an 87-83 victory over the Troy State Trojans in the opening round of the NIT.

Juan Mendez scored 20 points and collected a game-high 16 rebounds for Niagara (22-9), which moves on to face the Cornhuskers of Nebraska in the next round. Alvin Cruz added 14 points, while James Reaves contributed 12 points in the victory.

Greg Davis netted 18 points for Troy State (24-7). Rob Lewin tallied 16 points and grabbed 10 boards, while Kendrick Johnson posted 14 points for the Trojans. Ryan Heck and Jerome Stamper both chipped in 11 points in the losing effort.

The Trojans used a 15-6 run midway through the opening frame to take a slim 43-41 advantage into the break.

The Purple Eagles went on a 9-4 spurt late in the second stanza en route to the four-point victory.

A major factor in the win for Niagara was that it outscored the Trojans 31-10 in second chance points on the night.