NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara University Purple Eagle women’s basketball team hung tough with the defending MAAC champion Marist Red Foxes, but fell in defeat 75-54 in front of 423 at the Gallagher Center on Friday night. The setback puts Niagara at 5-18 (3-9 MAAC).

While the loss does sting, head coach Kendra Faustin sees her team getting stronger each day.

“We are taking steps and getting better,” stated Faustin. “Now we need to take the next step, which will get us some wins.”

The first half started quickly for the Red Foxes, as they trotted out to a 9-0 lead. The Purple Eagles then countered with a 7-0 run to come within two after an Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) jumper. The game would continue to go back and forth until Marist built a 13 point lead with seven minutes left in the first half. Niagara kept chipping away at the lead, as Harris nailed a jumper right before the buzzer to head into the half down 35-27. Harris netted eight of her 14 points in the first half, while Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) scored six.

Michelle Manfredi (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) was held scoreless in the first half, but sunk two field goals within the first 1:10 of the second half to bring Niagara within four. Marist quickly turned momentum around in their favor, quickly building a double-digit lead in two minutes, a lead that would hold until the final buzzer. Sara Prybyl (Mars, Pa.) netted eight points, while McNamee scored nine. Rachele Fitz accumulated 23 points for the Red Foxes.

The Purple Eagles head back to the hardwood on Sunday, as they host the Siena Saints as part of Think Pink Day. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game, in order to help raise awareness for breast cancer.