BUFFALO, N.Y. - A strong first half performance was not enough for the Niagara University women's basketball team (3-14, 1-5 MAAC) against cross-town rival Canisius (8-9, 3-3 MAAC) on Friday, as the Purple Eagles fell 63-57. Niagara led 34-27 at the break but couldn't tie it all together in defeat.

The Purple Eagles shot 41.9 percent from the floor in the opening frame, while holding the Golden Griffins to 31.0 percent. Niagara seemed to get every loose ball and rebound en route to a seven-point halftime lead. Four different players scored at least five points in the first, led by Jennifer McNamee's (Oxford, Ohio) eight markers.

The second half, however, was a different story. Niagara managed just one offensive rebound as Canisius came to life on the glass and on the offensive side of the ball.

"Things came together for us in the first half," head coach Kendra Faustin said. "Rebounding was a key in the second half. We are going to watch film and focus on our first half effort, because that is the team that we need to be."

McNamee finished with 13 points to lead NU, while Sarah Wilson (St. Catherines, Ont.) added 11. Brittane Russell led four Golden Griffins in double digits with her 15 points. Amanda Cavo scored all 12 of her points in the second half.