NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team fell to the Cleveland State Vikings, 70-59, on Sunday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.

"We didn't execute on offense and allowed too many easy baskets; you can't do that versus a team like Cleveland State," head coach Kendra Faustin said.

Niagara (2-8) played Cleveland State (3-5) even in the second half, 32-32, but the damage was done in the first half. The Vikings used a 15-4 run that lasted six minutes to build a lead at 28-14 with eight minutes remaining in the half. The Purple Eagles scrapped their way back into the game with a rally late in the first half. Sophomore forward Meghan Waterman (Dayton, Ohio) made two free throws to bring NU within 28-23 with 4:45 on the clock. 

NU, however, started the second half facing an 11-point deficit and had trouble bursting that bubble. Sophomore guard Ali Morris (Parkersburg, W.Va.) made five-straight points to cut the lead to 53-45 with 9:04 left in the game, but her efforts were not enough to ignite a continuous comeback.

Junior forward Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) led the game with 18 points and tied a career-high with four 3-pointers. Seniors Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) and Rachele Folino (Novi, Mich.) scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Niagara plays host to the Akron Zips next Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. for its final game before the New Year's.