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Rachele Folino
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RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team had its five-game win streak snapped at Manhattan on a buzzer beater, 55-53, on Saturday from the Draddy Gymnasium. Senior Rachele Folino had a double-double with a season-high 25 points and career-high 14 rebounds.
Niagara (10-14, 7-6 MAAC) had its five-game win streak, which was the longest in five season, broken in dramatic fashion in an intense game between teams who entered the game tied for third place. The Purple Eagles were down 48-39 with 12 minutes remaining when they went on a run fueled by Manhattan's turnovers. NU held the Jaspers scoreless for over seven minutes and forced five turnovers as it crept back into the game, down 49-48 with 4:30 left.
Folino scored Niagara's last 11 points, including draining her second career 3-pointer to tie the game at 53-53 with 30 seconds remaining. On the game's last possession, the Purple Eagles defense clamped down on the Jaspers; as time was expiring, Michelle Pachecho tossed up an off-balance fade away shot in the paint over two defenders that went in to beat the buzzer.
“We played great defense in the second half after not playing Niagara defense in the first half,” head coach Kendra Faustin said. “We won the rebounding war, which has been something that we have worked on all season. We played great defense on the final possession; she made a tough shot.”
NU had a 38-27 advantage on the boards. The Purple Eagles, who dominated in the turnover margin during their win streak, suffered 21 turnovers in the game with 13 coming in the first half, to Manhattan's 14. The Jaspers also had a huge advantage at the free throw line; Manhattan went to the line 18 times, converting 11, while Niagara converted on its only free throw attempt.
Folino finished with a season-high 25 points and career-highs with 14 rebounds and 12 field goals. Senior Jaclyn Konieczka had nine points and seven rebounds, sophomore Ali Morris added six points, five assists and five rebounds and freshman Kayla Stroman dropped nine points and dished four assists.
Niagara's next game will be on MAAC TV against the Saint Peter's Peahens on Monday at 5 p.m. from Jersey City, N.J.
