Sophomore Jessi Tomasin

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -- The Niagara University women’s basketball team (2-3) looks to protect a two-game home winning streak when it opens its 16th season of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play Friday at 7 p.m. vs. Rider (0-3) in the Gallagher Center.

The Purple Eagles are coming off a 75-63 victory over Big Four opponent St. Bonaventure Tuesday. Sophomores Shaunna Ambrose and Toni Smalley, and senior Eva Cunningham each tallied 20-plus points in the win.

Rider will be looking to snap a losing streak. The Broncs dropped their third consecutive game Tuesday when they lost 71-57 at Sacred Heart.

Friday’s game can be heard live on Niagara University’s official sports website, www.PurpleEagles.com.