BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team closed out the regular season with a 65-39 loss against archrival Canisius on Saturday afternoon from the Koessler Athletic Center.

“It is a little disappointing to not keep the momentum from our win last Sunday,” head coach Kendra Faustin said. “Turnovers and rebounds were the difference in this game. We gave them too many second chances.”

A combination of miscues led to Niagara’s (2-27, 1-17 MAAC) demise in the latest edition of the Battle of the Bridge rivalry between the two schools.

The Purple Eagles made only 12 field goals the entire game, were out rebounded by 10 and missed several layups. Niagara cut Canisius’ (22-7, 14-4 MAAC) lead to 11-9 with 12:55 in the first half after falling behind 7-0 to start the game. The Golden Griffins, one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the nation, used a couple of 3-point baskets by senior Amanda Cavo to break open the game.  

The Purple Eagles, however, were still in the game down 29-16 at halftime. The reason was because neither team shot well, which was a stark contrast from the shootout the two teams played in at the Gallagher Center almost two months ago.

Niagara shot a season-low 21.8 percent from the field, but Canisus shot only 27.4 percent which is the lowest Niagara has allowed all season.

The Purple Eagles shooting woes continued in the second half as the Golden Griffins won on Senior Day to lock up second place in the conference.

“All season we talked about getting better and preparing for next week (MAAC Tournament),” Faustin said. “It is a different environment and I’m really excited for our freshmen to experience it. We will keep working hard, stay focus and get better.”  

Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) led the Purple and White with 10 points.

Niagara will play in the 7-v-10 matchup on day one of the MAAC Tournament from Albany, N.Y. on Thursday, March 5 at Noon. The opponent is yet to be determined. Stay tuned to PurpleEagles.com for more information.