Shaunna Ambrose sank a three-point field goal with 1.5 seconds left to lift Niagara to a 54-51 win Friday night over Siena.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Sophomore Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) sank a three-point field goal from the right wing with 1.5 seconds remaining to lift the Niagara University women’s basketball team to a 54-51 victory over Siena Friday night at the Gallagher Center.

Niagara, which improved to 15-11 overall and 10-7 in the MAAC, took a 51-48 lead with 1:12 remaining when Ambrose sank a free throw to complete a conventional three-point play. Siena answered when Katelyn Dooley sank a layup and a foul shot with 53 seconds left to tie the game at 51-51. Both teams missed a shot on their next possession and Niagara freshman Michele Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) snared the loose ball with 8.9 seconds left to give the Purple Eagles possession. Niagara inbounded the ball to senior Eva Cunningham (East Aurora, N.Y./Iroquois) who broke through the Siena defense and found Ambrose open on the right wing for the game-winning shot.

The Purple Eagles trailed 29-23 at halftime before mounting their comeback. Niagara, which struggled from the field in the first half by shooting 32.3 percent (10-31), scored the second half’s first six points to tie the game at 29. The teams traded baskets and the lead several times as there were six ties in the second half.

Ambrose led Niagara with 18 points while Manfredi tied her career best with 13 points. Cunningham finished with nine points, six assists and a game-high three steals.

Laura Menty led Siena (12-14, 9-8 MAAC) with 16 points. Lauren Surber added 13 points.

Niagara will face Manhattan Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Gallagher Center.