Nicholas Purdie '25 of Buffalo scored 31 points, including a 2-for-2 trip to the free throw line with 6.3 seconds left for the final points of the game, to help lead Canisius High School Basketball to a terrific 60-59 victory over Niagara Fals Saturday afternoon in a classic clash of two of Western New York's best programs.

A big crowd at the Bernard J. Kennedy '49 Field House watched Canisius (8-2) battle back from an early deficit and then watched the Wolverines fight back before the exciting, back-and-forth finish in which Purdie made several big plays.

Purdie had 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, including game-tying and go-ahead baskets in the closing minutes.

Purdie hit 10 of 13 free throws while Patrick Cullinan '25 of Orchard Park had 12 points.

Niagara Falls, which had a shot miss in the final seconds, was led by Tre Gayle with 21 points. Falls is 3-5 playing its usual stellar schedule.

The game marked the start of a three-game homestand for Canisius, which hosts Nichols on Tuesday and Park on Friday in Monsignor Martin Athletic Association games; both start at 6:30 p.m.

The terrific photo gallery from a terrific afternoon is from outstanding CHS Digital Media photographer Noah Morlock '25 (@morlockprod).

See the rest of the Crusaders' top-flight schedule, their roster and much more here at the unparalleled canisiussports.com

Students and families interested in CHS Basketball, CHS Digital Media and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area's best Catholic school by Business First – can learn more by arranging an on-campus experience via canisiushigh.org/visit

This place is special. Let us show you why.

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