Junior Shaunna Ambrose scored a game-high 19 points in the loss at Manhattan.

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College (4-4, 1-1) used a 14-7 run to break a 56-56 tie and lead the Jaspers to a 70-63 win over Niagara University (1-7, 0-2) Sunday afternoon in a women’s basketball Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game in Draddy Gym.

The Jaspers went 7 for 9 from the free-throw line in the final 1:51 to seal the win. Niagara sophomore guard Cathy Rutter (Old Bridge, N.J.) sank two free throws with 24 seconds remaining to bring the Purple Eagles within three, 66-63. Manhattan missed two free throws but snared the rebound to give the Jaspers a chance to hold on. After being fouled, Manhattan’s Lupe Godinez sank two free throws with 18 seconds remaining and then two more with seven seconds left to seal the win.

Niagara junior forward Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) scored a game-high 19 points. Ambrose sank three three-point field goals and all eight of her free-throw attempts. Rutter finished with a career-best 10 points and added four assists.

Manhattan’s Gabrielle Cottrell had 17 points and 11 rebounds while Godinez added 12 points. The Jaspers had a 43-24 rebounding advantage.

Manhattan held a 50-41 lead with 11:51 remaining on a basket by Cottrell. Niagara started its comeback with Ambrose sinking four-straight foul shots. Sophomore guard Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) scored four-straight points to bring Niagara within five points, 54-49. Sophomore center Sarah Wilson (Saint Catharine’s, Ont./Governor Simcoe) scored five points to tie the game at 56 with 4:45 to play. Manhattan then used its 14-7 run to win the game.

Niagara returns to action Dec. 21 when it plays at Boston College.