Junior Toni Smalley had a team-high 19 points vs. Syracuse.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Juniors Toni Smalley (Thornburg, Ohio) and Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) combined for 37 points to lead the Niagara University women’s basketball team (1-2) to a 61-45 non-conference victory over Syracuse University (2-1) Wednesday night at the Gallagher Center.

Smalley had a team-high 19 points while Ambrose added 18 points, 11 of those coming from the foul line, as Niagara recorded its first victory over a Big East Conference team since the Purple Eagles downed Syracuse, 57-52, Feb. 20, 1980.

Syracuse was led by sophomore Vaida Sipaviciute’s 21 points and 15 rebounds.

Both teams struggled from the floor in the first half as Niagara held a 23-17 lead at the half. After Sipaviciute opened the game with a basket inside, Ambrose answered with a three-point field goal. The teams traded baskets again before Niagara pulled out to a 19-9 lead as Syracuse made only four of its first 23 field goal attempts.

In the second half, Ambrose scored 13 of her points as the Purple Eagles pushed their lead to double digits and sank 18 of 20 free throws. For the game, Niagara made 22 of 27 free throws.

Niagara senior Jennifer Rouche (Niwot, Colo.) snared 13 rebounds and blocked three shots while sophomore Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) had nine points, nine rebounds and four assists.

Niagara plays at St. John’s Sunday in a 2 p.m. contest.

Niagara Women’s Basketball Game Notes

Niagara vs. Syracuse – Nov. 23, 2005

Gallagher Center

Final Score: Niagara 61, Syracuse 45

• Tonight was Niagara’s first win of the season, first time victory over Syracuse since Feb. 14, 1979, and its first win over a Big East team since they beat the Orange, 67-52, on Feb. 20, 1980
• Tonight’s victory snapped the Purple Eagles’ three-game losing streak, dating to last season.
• Niagara won its third consecutive home opener, improved to 19-11 since 1976-77, and 4-8 under head coach Bill Agronin.
• Tonight marked the first time Syracuse has visited the Gallagher center since Feb. 19, 1982.
• With the win tonight the Purple Eagle’s improved their record in the all-time series to 3-6.
• Despite losing the first two games, Niagara kept the same starting line up of Danie Mosca, Toni Smalley Shauna Ambrose, Michelle Manfredi, and Jennifer Roueche.
• With three blocks tonight, Jennifer Roueche inched closer to tying the Niagara career record for blocks. She now has 75 and needs 35 for the record.
• Toni Smalley ended the game one rebound away from recording her third double-double of her career and a point shy of tying her career high in points.
• Toni Smalley tied her career high with nine field goals.
• Junior Chantelle Wilson played a season-high 18 minutes in tonight’s win.