Chantelle Wilson

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University women’s basketball team improved to 5-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings as the Purple Eagles recorded a 77-72 overtime victory over Fairfield Friday afternoon at the Gallagher Center. Niagara had a season-best 1,225 fans in attendance.

Leading the Niagara offensive attack was senior guard Eva Cunningham (East Aurora/Iroquois) with 18 points and five assists. Sophomore forward Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) added 17 points, five assists and four steals.

Niagara, which had a 34-27 halftime lead, saw Fairfield scored 13 of the second half’s first 19 points to take a 40-39 lead on Janelle McManus’ three-point field goal with 12:47 to play. The teams traded points until Fairfield took a 59-55 lead with 2:54 remaining on a three-pointer by Meka Werts. Sophomore forward Toni Smalley (Thornville, Ohio) sank a three-pointer to bring Niagara within one, 59-58. After Fairfield took a 61-58 lead, sophomore guard Chantelle Wilson (Burlington, Ont.) sank a three-pointer with 64 seconds left to tie the game. Fairfield had two chances to win the game but both shots went awry.

In overtime, Wilson sank a three-pointer to open the scoring and give the Purple Eagles a 64-61 lead. Junior Jennifer Roueche (Niwot, Colo.) scored inside for a five-point lead. Rouche finished with a game-high 11 rebounds. Niagara’s lead got as close as two points, 71-69, before Wilson sank two foul shots with 24 seconds left. The Purple Eagles sank six of their last eight free throws to clinch the win. Wilson finished with 11 points in a reserve role.

Werts and McManus each scored 16 points to lead Fairfield, 4-10, 2-3 MAAC.

Niagara, now 10-4 overall, plays Iona Sunday at 2 p.m.