NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team was defeated by Little 3 rival the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, 68-47, on Wednesday afternoon at the Gallagher Center. Freshman forward Katie Gattuso led Niagara in scoring with 15 points and junior forward Meghan Waterman chipped in with a season-high 11 points.

Gattuso, who has scored in double-figures in three out of four games, also led NU with six rebounds and seven free throws. Waterman was the second leading scorer with 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting and sophomore guard Kayla Stroman had nine points and two rebounds.

"I think our group really wants it really bad, but with so many young players we are pressing too much," head coach Kendra Faustin said.  "We just need to embrace our roles."  

A first half run by the visitors stole the lead and the momentum in the latest edition between the two old rivals. Niagara (0-4) had an 18-13 lead when Gattuso made a jumper inside of the paint with 8:28 left in the first half. SBU (3-2) would respond with a 15-0 run and took a 30-23 halftime lead.

Any chance of a comeback evaporated due to a poor shooting output. The Purple Eagles were 5-for-24 from the field in the second half, but was 13-for-15 at the free-throw line.

Niagara is back on the court on Sunday to play at Bucknell for a 2 p.m. tipoff.