NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Senior guard Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) and junior forward Sara Prybyl (Mars, Pa.) combined for 28 points but it was not enough as the Niagara University women’s basketball team (10-7, 2-4) suffered a 65-52 loss to conference leader Marist College (13-4, 6-0) in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action Sunday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.

The Purple Eagles made 15 of 55 field goals, including only five in the second half.

Ambrose scored 16 points after making 12 of 14 free throws while Prybyl had 12 points in a reserve role.

Marist was led by freshman forward Rachele Fitz’s game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Julianne Viani and Brittany Engle each added 10 points for the Red Foxes.

The Purple Eagles were within four points, 46-42, after a steal and layup by Prybyl with 9:22 to play. Prybyl then hit a baseline jump shot to bring Niagara within three, 50-47, with 7:27 remaining. The Red Foxes went on an 11-4 run, capped by a layup by Meg Dahlman for a 61-51 lead with 2:35 to play.

In the first half, Marist used an 11-2 run to take an 18-7 lead after a basket by Sarah Smrdel with 10:54 left. The Purple Eagles then used an 11-2 run of their own to come within two, 20-18, after an Ambrose basket. The teams traded points before Marist closed the half with a 7-2 run, five points by Engle, for a 34-27 lead.

The Purple Eagles returns to action Jan. 19 when they travel to Baltimore, Md., to play Loyola College at 7 p.m.