The season ended on Thursday for Braxton Bayless and the Niagara men’s basketball team.
However, Bayless’ college career isn’t over.
The senior guard scored eight points and dished out four assists in the Purple Eagles’ 65-59 loss to Marist in the quarterfinal round of the MAAC Championship at Jim Whalen Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
“I do have the option to come back,” said Bayless, a former Ankeny star who led the Hawks to the Class 4A state title in 2020. “I do have an extra year of eligibility and am excited to use it and make another jump.”
Niagara built a 39-24 lead early in the second half before Marist rallied. The Red Foxes tied the score at 47-47 with 10 minutes 49 seconds remaining and later closed out the game with a 12-6 run.
Niagara finished with a 16-16 record, its second straight season finishing at .500 or above. The Purple Eagles reached the MAAC quarterfinals for the fourth time in head coach Greg Paulus’ five-year tenure.
“Every season flies by to the end of it,” Bayless said. “That’s why you have to stay in the moment and enjoy it.”
Bayless averaged a team-high 11.5 points per game, despite starting just once. He shot 50.6 percent from the field and 81.5 percent at the free-throw line.
Bayless said he plans to continue his career beyond next season.
“Even after college, it won’t be my last time playing basketball because I will play professionally somewhere,” he said. “That’s my goal.”