BALTIMORE – Senior Jill Glessner scored a game-high 18 points to lead five players in double digits as Loyola College (11-7, 6-2) defeated Niagara University (10-8, 2-5) Friday night in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball action at Reitz Arena.

Greyhounds shot 61.5 percent from the field, making 40 of 65 shots, and out-rebounded the Purple Eagles, 42-16.

Niagara was led by senior Shaunna Ambrose’s (McKees Rock, Pa.) 13 points. Junior Sara Prybyl (Mars, Pa.) had 10 points and classmate Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) had seven points and a team-high five assists.

Loyola took an 18-9 lead in the first half before Niagara got back into the period when junior Sarah Wilson (St. Catharine’s, Ont.) cut the lead to eight points, 28-20, on a layup with 3:57 left. Loyola then closed the half with a 17-6 run to give the Greyhounds a 45-26 halftime lead.

In the second half, Loyola opened with an 8-2 run to take a 53-28 lead. The Greyhounds continued their offensive display, pushing the lead to 43 points, 81-38, on a layup from Ashley Alexander with 7:54 remaining. The Purple Eagles shot 47.4 percent from the field in the half, but attempted fewer shots (19) than what Loyola made (21).

Niagara returns to action Jan. 22 when it hosts cross-town rival Canisius College at 7 p.m. in the legendary Taps Gallagher Center.