LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Niagara Purple Eagles struggled on offense for the second time against the Rider Broncs this season in a 56-40 setback on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Gym.

Niagara (1-25, 0-15 MAAC), who played to two consecutive one-point road defeats entering today’s game, appeared to be flat and emotionally drained. The Broncs (9-17, 6-9 MAAC) built a 23-point lead heading into halftime behind five 3-pointers and 91.7 (11-12) percent free throw shooting.

In recent games the Purple Eagles have managed to limit their turnovers, but the problem reappeared this afternoon. Niagara had 19 turnovers in the game with 14 coming in the first half. The Purple Eagles were also ice cold from the field; shooting 21 percent (4-for-19).

Niagara started the second half on a 6-0 run behind baskets from Meghan Waterman (Dayont, Ohio), Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) and Rachele Folino (Novi, Mich.). The Purple Eagles defense improved; Niagara held Rider scoreless in an eight minute span with six minutes remaining. Niagara, however, could not put together a run to cut into the lead.

Ali Morris (Parkersburg, W.Va.) led the Purple and White with 15 points.

Niagara returns home for its final weekend series with a game against the Iona Gaels on Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. The game will be a part of a Gallagher Center double header with the men’s basketball team hosting Illinois State at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 as part of Bracket Buster.