Sophomore Shaunna Ambrose scored a career-high 25 points in Niagara's win over Saint Peter's Thursday.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Sophomore Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) scored a career-high 25 points as the Purple Eagles improved to 3-0 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play with a 74-64 win over Saint Peter’s Thursday night at the Yanitelli Center. The Purple Eagles (8-4) are now in first place in the MAAC.

Ambrose scored 16 of her points in the first half before she tied her career-best total. She also scored 25 points against Vermont (Nov. 24) this season. Also fueling Niagara’s first-half was 13 points by senior guard Eva Cunningham (East Aurora/Iroquois). Cunningham, who finished with 19 points and five assists, now ranks sixth all-time with 1,430 points in her career.

The Purple Eagles opened a 6-4 lead before holding Saint Peter’s scoreless for the next four minutes and 24 seconds. During that stretch, Niagara opened a 17-4 lead. Ambrose scored seven of her points during that run. Back-to-back three point field goals by Cunningham and sophomore guard Chantelle Wilson (Burlington, Ont.) gave Niagara a 23-6 lead. Cunningham sank another three-pointer for a 26-7 lead. The Purple Eagles made five first-half three-pointers.

Freshman Sarah Wilson (Saint Catharines, Ont.) scored a career-high 13 points in a reserve role while junior center Jennifer Roueche (Niwot, Colo.) snared a career-best 13 rebounds and also blocked seven shots, a career high.

Niagara plays at Manhattan Saturday at 2 p.m.