BUFFALO, N.Y. - Senior Jaclyn Konieczka's 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds left lifted the Niagara women's basketball team to a 49-46 win over archrival Canisius on Friday night from the Koessler Athletic Center.

"We don't quit and never give up," head coach Kendra Faustin said.  "We were down 14 at one point and not for one second did they doubt we couldn't win."

Konieczka's game-winning 3-pointer gave Niagara (12-14, 9-6 MAAC) its first lead of the day in a game that it trailed as much as 14 points against Canisius (10-16, 5-10 MAAC). The Purple Eagles shaved their 26-19 halftime deficit to one point on two occasions early in the second half and ended the game on a 17-6 run over the last 12 minutes. 

The run was led by seniors Rachele Folino and Konieczka; they combined to score the final seven points of the game. Folino answered twice to tie the game for NU with baseline jumpers with the latest coming at 1:18 to tie the game at 46-46.

"They (Folino and Konieczka) made big shots and grabbed big rebounds late in the game," Faustin said.

After two missed shots by Canisius, Niagara held the ball for the final 30 seconds.  With time running out, Kayla Stroman dished the ball to Konieczka at the top of the 3-point arc and she calmly drained her third career 3-pointer to give the Purple Eagles a 49-46 lead. Canisius' Brittane Russell's desperation half court 3-pointer hit the backboard as time expired.

Konieczka and Stroman both had nine points to lead NU in scoring; Stroman grabbed six rebounds and added five assists and Konieckza had four boards. Folino finished the game with seven points and seven rebounds, while Ali Morris scored eight and grabbed five rebounds.  

The win gives the Purple Eagles their first regular season series sweep of their archrivals in three seasons. Niagara, which has won nine of its last 11 games, sits in third place as it travels to play at Loyola on Sunday for a noon tip-off.