ALBANY, N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team season ended with a 71-46 defeat to rival Canisius in the 2009 MAAC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday morning.

The 9:30 a.m. tipoff may have affected the early play for both teams. Kristina Walton (Cleveland, Ohio) made a layup nearly three minutes into the game for the first points for either team. The two teams combined for only three field goals in the first five minutes.

Canisius (23-7) awoke for its slumber by draining seven 3-pointers in an eight minute span to build a 30-6 lead. Niagara (3-28), playing in consecutive days, was unable to counter with 3-point baskets of its own.

In fact for the second-straight game versus the Golden Griffins, Niagara struggled on offense which led to 38-19 deficit at halftime. Niagara’s sharp shooters, Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) and Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) were a non factor in the game; they combined for nine points.

The Purple Eagles, however, continued to fight and play hard to the final buzzer in the elimination game.

Canisius were 12-for-21 for behind the arc, including nine in the first half, while Niagara was 4-for-25.

Seniors Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) and Walton each scored nine points to lead the Purple Eagles in their final game at NU. Fellow senior Kayleigh Scannell (Lowell, Mass.) had five points.

Niagara ends the season 3-28 and 1-1 in the MAAC Tournament.