Shaunna Ambrose led the Purple Eagles with 17 points Saturday against Fairfield.

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. – Fairfield closed the game with an 8-2 run Saturday afternoon as the Stags handed Niagara a 64-57 loss in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball action at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Niagara, which trailed by as many as 12 points, used a layup by freshman Sarah Wilson (St. Catharines, Ont.) to come within one point, 56-55, with 2:21 remaining. Fairfield scored the game’s next four points for a 60-55 lead and never looked back.

The Purple Eagles fall to 14-11 overall and 9-7 in the MAAC. The game was the sixth contest of a six-game road swing for Niagara. The Purple Eagles return to the Gallagher Center for a 7 p.m. game against Siena Friday.

Sophomore forward Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) led the Purple Eagles with a game-high 17 points. Ambrose made a career-best five three-point field goals in the contest. Classmate Toni Smalley (Thornkill, Ohio) added 11 points.

After the game was tied at 19 with 9:48 remaining in the first half, the Stags used a 19-9 run to take a 38-28 lead at the half. Fairfield scored the first basket of the second half for a 40-28 lead and then the Purple Eagles started their comeback efforts. Ambrose and Smalley scored nine and eight points, respectively, in the second half. Wilson finished with eight points and six rebounds in a reserve role.

Niagara was hampered by 28 percent (21-75) shooting in the game.

Fairfield (10-15, 8-7 MAAC) was led by Janelle McManus’ 16 points.