NU Looks To Continue Streaks

Niagara, which is coming off of a successful road trip last weekend, will play the last leg of its three-game road journey against the Iona Gaels on Sunday afternoon.

The Purple Eagles defeated Fairfield, 52-49, and Rider, 63-54, last weekend to complete their first MAAC road sweeps since Feb. 2005. Niagara has already surpassed last season’s win totals in conference and overall games.

Niagara and Iona played earlier this month, in which the Gaels won 59-51 at the Gallagher Center on Jan. 11. The Purple Eagles held the Gaels to a season-low 59 points in MAAC play.

Ready for Action

s Jennifer McNamee became the 20th member of the 1,000 point club on Jan. 18 against Rider. McNamee scored her 1,002 on a 3-point basket on her second shot of the game. She joined current assistant coach Katie Murphy (1,060), among others.

s Niagara defeated Rider, 63-54, in its last game to improve to 2-4 in the MAAC. The Purple Eagles have won consecutive MAAC games for the first time since Jan. 2008 and the consecutive MAAC road games since Feb. 2005.

s Liz Flooks (14.6) and Jennifer McNamee (12.1) are the top two scorers on the team and rank in the top 15 in the conference. McNamee is tied for fifth in the MAAC with 2.1 3-point field goals. Flooks leads the MAAC and is tied for 7th in the nation in 3-point percentage.

s Freshman guard Kayla Stroman leads the team with 4.7 assists per game and is third in the MAAC.

s Niagara leads the all-time series with Iona, 25-18.

Welcome to the Club

Senior Jennifer McNamee has been one of the most dependable scorers in Niagara women’s basketball history. Her scoring ability has gained her access to one of the most prestigious clubs in women’s basketball. On Jan. 18, McNamee became the 20th member NU’s 1,000 point club. She scored her 1,002 point with a 3-pointer on her second shot of the game in NU’s 63-54 win over Rider. Entry into the club could be a precursor for the Hall of Fame, as 12 of the 19 1,000 point club members are in the Hall of Fame. McNamee has averaged 10.4 ppg during her career, 33.3 percent from the 3-point arc and 77 percent at the free-throw line.

Picking Up Two on the Road

In the midst of its second longest scheduled road trip, Niagara picked up consecutive MAAC road wins for the first time since Feb. 2005. The Purple Eagles defeated Fairfield and Rider on Jan. 16 and 18, respectively. The last time Niagara picked up consecutive MAAC road wins was against Iona on Feb. 11 and Rider on Feb. 13.

On the Court

Iona Gaels (10-8, 6-1 MAAC)

The Gaels enter Sunday’s game riding a six-game win streak, including topping the Purple Eagles earlier this month. The six-game winning streak is tied for their longest in program history.

Against the Gaels (Niagara leads 16-12)

Niagara leads the all-time series against Iona, holding a 25-18 lead since the teams began play in 1979. The Purple Eagles +8 win difference is the most against any MAAC team.  Niagara has had winning streaks of 10 (1992-1996) and 8 (2002-2005) games. However, Iona has won the last 10 meetings.

Last Meeting - January 11, 2010

Niagara 51, Iona 59

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - In a tightly contested game, the Niagara women’s basketball team (3-12, 0-4) was edged by the Iona Gaels, 59-51, on Monday night from the Gallagher Center.

Niagara held Iona to a season-low 59 points in MAAC play, while forcing 20 turnovers. NU held Iona to 39 percent shooting and four second chance points. The Gaels did manage to shoot 50 percent (9-for-18) from the 3-point line, with several coming late to stop halt NU’s runs.