NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - In a hard-fought, aggressively played contest between Big Four rivals, the University at Buffalo defeated Niagara 61-42 at the Taps Gallagher Center on Saturday night. With the win UB improved to 4-3 on the season while the Purple Eagles saw their record drop to 2-5.

Niagara’s early-season shooting woes again came back to haunt them, especially in the first half when the Purple Eagles managed to shoot only 16.7 percent from the field. UB didn’t fare much better from the field shooting 26.7 percent. but the Bulls were able to muster enough offense to bring a 22-12 lead into halftime. In the second half, UB built leads of as much as 21points with 14:55 remaining. Niagara, under first-year head coach Kendra Faustin, didn’t quit and pulled to within 47-38 with 3:04 remainining after a free throw by Michele Manfredi, but could get no closer.

"It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain," Faustin said of the Purple Eagles shooting problems after the game. "Lately we haven’t been able to make shots we normally make. I felt like we played good defense, especially in the first half and during our run in the second half and I’m proud of the effort the team gave."

Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) came off the bench to score a season-high 14 points for the Purple Eagles to along with seven rebounds. Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) led Niagara with 14 rebounds which complimented her nine points. Buffalo was led by a trio of three point scorers, Jamie Schiebner (19), Heather Turner (15) and Stephanie Bennett (13).

For the game Niagara shot 23.5 percent from the field compared to 33.9 percent for UB. The Bulls also outrebounded Niagara 54-46.

Niagara returns to action on Friday, December 7 when it opens up MAAC play at Loyola.