By Jonah Bronstein
LEWISTON — Listening to Niagara coach Joe Mihalich after Monday’s practice, one got the impression that Tyrone Lewis might play in today’s home opener, despite an injured left ankle.
“He has kind of, a little bit, I think, some sort of strain down there. He’s working through it,” Mihalich said. “If he wakes up (today) and he feels great, we’ll give it a shot. But certainly, that’s in the hands of the trainer.”
Watching the conclusion of practice told a different story. Wearing a walking boot that extended up to just below his knee, Lewis wore street clothes during practice, and when the Purple Eagles were going over Drexel’s offensive tendencies, Lewis was conversing with Calvin Murphy.
Lewis was hurt nine minutes into Friday’s loss at Auburn and did not return. With sixth man Demetrius Williamson and reserve guard Austin Cooley filling the void, Niagara was able to build a seven-point lead in the second half, but got outscored 11-0 in the final 89 seconds.
Bilal Benn said the Purple Eagles missed Lewis at the end of the game.
“He makes a lot of big shots for us,” Benn said. “I had to take some of his shots. Demetrius had to take some of his shots. He plays with so much energy. When the game’s getting a little quiet, he brings you up.”
Benn spoke as if he doesn’t expect Lewis to play today.
“We’re not going to try to replace him,” he said. “We’re going to try and fill what he does with a little bit from everybody.”
Lewis was a first-team all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection and the MAAC defensive player of the year in 2008. He averaged 16.2 points per game and led the league in steals and 3-pointers made.
