RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team fell to the Manhattan Lady Jaspers 77-58 on Friday night at Draddy Gymnasium. Forwards Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) and Rachele Folino (Novi, Mich.) scored 17 and 12 points, respectively.

The first half was plagued with poor play by both teams; Manhattan (7-16, 4-8 MAAC), who leads the MAAC in 3-point field goals made, struggled from behind the arc shooting 4-for-13. Niagara (1-22, 0-12 MAAC) was unable to take advantage from the Lady Jaspers shooting woes, because the Purple Eagles suffered as well.  

Niagara cut the lead to 24-22 from an Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) jumper with 2:24 in the half, when Manhattan began to expand its lead. The Lady Jaspers had a rare five-point play to end the first half. Manhattan hit a 3-pointer and had another player fouled on the same play, which led to two made free throws. The late run gave the Lady Jaspers a 34-25 halftime lead.

Manhattan had a quick start in the second half to increase its lead to 16 points. Niagara stayed competitive despite getting into foul trouble and losing players due to injuries.

Flooks initiated a 7-0 Purple Eagles run, by scoring five-straight points, to bring Niagara down 47-38 with 12:13 left in the game. Niagara would hover around, but was unable to get any closer.

Niagara will play at the Fairfield Stags on Sunday at 1 p.m.