NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Senior guard Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rocks, Pa.) scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Niagara University women’s basketball team (11-8, 3-5 MAAC) to a 62-59 victory over cross-town rival Canisius College (11-8, 3-5 MAAC) Monday night at the Gallagher Center in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action.

The win snaps a six-game series win streak by Canisius. Niagara’s last win in the series was Feb. 11, 2004, a 73-70 win at Canisius’ Koessler Athletic Center.

Ambrose gave Niagara a 58-57 lead with 1:12 remaining after making a free throw. After a Canisius turnover, junior guard Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.), who had 10 points and nine rebounds, sank two foul shots with 16.7 seconds left for a 60-57 lead. Canisius’ Abby Radunske made two free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining to bring the Golden Griffins within one, 60-59. Ambrose was fouled and sank two free throws with 6.7 seconds left for a 62-59 lead. Canisius’ three-point field goal attempt in the final seconds went awry.

Ambrose sank 11 of 13 free throws in the game, and Niagara made 17 of 21 foul shots.

Megan Lyte led Canisius with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Radunske and Jessie Lamparski each added 12 points.

Canisius took a 6-0 lead as the Purple Eagles missed their first eight shots from the field. Manfredi broke the streak when she scored with 15:10 to play in the half. Niagara took a 9-6 lead when freshman Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) hit a three-pointer at 12:04. The teams traded the lead until Canisius broke away from a 26-26 tie with a 7-2 run to take a 33-28 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Golden Griffins built a 40-31 lead on a Lyte layup at 15:19. Senior guard Chantelle Wilson (Burlington, Ont.) then sank a three-pointer to start an 11-0 run. Ambrose capped the run with a three-pointer to give Niagara a 42-40 lead with 12:26 remaining. The teams again traded the lead before Ambrose broke a 57-57 tie with her foul shot to set up the game’s final minute.

The game featured nine ties, seven in the second half, and 15 lead changes.

Niagara returns to action Friday when it travels to Bridgeport, Conn., to take on Fairfield University at 4:30 p.m. live on ESPNU.