NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Seniors Chantelle Wilson (Burlington, Ont.) and Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rocks, Pa.) combined for 23 points but it was not enough as the Niagara University women’s basketball team (13-13, 5-10) dropped a 64-51 decision Friday night to Saint Peter’s College (11-14, 7-8) in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Gallagher Center.

Saint Peter’s was led by Lauma Reke’s 20 points and 13 rebounds while Elyse Siciliano added 12 points, all in the first half. Tania Kennedy scored 18 points and recorded four steals.

The Purple Eagles used a 15-8 run to come within two, 26-24, after a layup by junior Sarah Wilson (St. Catherines, Ont.) with 4:20 to play in the first half. Saint Peter’s ran off six-straight points to take a 32-24 lead with 2:13 to play after two Kennedy foul shots.

The Purple Eagles got two free throws from Ambrose and a three-pointer by Chantelle Wilson to come within two, 37-35, with 18:01 to play but Saint Peter’s answered with back-to-back three-pointers by Kennedy to take a 43-35 lead.

Niagara made only 6-of-25 field goals in the second half.

Junior Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) led Niagara with nine rebounds and four assists. Freshman Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) had eight points, all in the first half, in a reserve role.

The Purple Eagles will close their home schedule Sunday at 2 p.m. against Manhattan.