BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Senior Shaunna Ambrose (McKees Rock, Pa.) scored a game-high 20 points but it wasn’t enough as the Niagara University women’s basketball team (14-16) lost 57-53 to Manhattan College (11-19) in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Thursday at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Ambrose’s 20 points marked the 12th time this season the guard scored 20-or-more points. Sophomore Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) had 11 points, and junior Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) had a game-high 14 rebounds.

Manhattan was led by Caitlin Flood’s 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Regan added 14 points.

Trailing 33-26 at halftime, Niagara mounted a comeback early in the second half. Ambrose scored the Purple Eagles’ first seven points of the period to pull within five points, 38-33. Flood hit one of two free throws before Niagara went on a 13-4 run capped by senior Chantelle Wilson’s (Burlington, Ont.) three-pointer from the corner with 8:48 left.

After trading baskets Manhattan went on a 7-0 run to take a 52-48 lead with 2:26 remaining. Harris cut it to 52-51 with a three-pointer at 2:11, but the Jaspers came back with a layup from Flood and a jumper from Aubrie Dellinger to take a five-point lead. Harris sank a pair of free throws with 49 seconds left to cut the lead to 56-53. Dellinger missed on Manhattan’s next possession and Niagara had a chance to tie the game but a three-point shot with eight seconds left fell short. Flood was then fouled, made her first free throw, missed the second, but got her own rebound to end the game.

In the first half, the teams traded baskets early until Niagara went on a 10-3 run to take a 17-15 lead on freshman Jennifer McNamee’s (Oxford, Ohio) three-pointer at 9:57.

With the score tied at 19, Manhattan took the lead when it ran off 12-straight points to go up 33-22 with 1:14 remaining. Niagara cut it to eight points at halftime on an Ambrose three-pointer and a free throw by Manfredi.