NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Niagara had its five-game home winning streak snapped by the Fairfield Stags, 55-41, in a battle for third place on Friday night from the Gallagher Center.

Niagara (12-16, 9-8 MAAC) blitzed Fairfield (16-12, 10-7 MAAC) out of the gate. The Purple Eagles jumped to a 17-2 lead to start game behind 69 percent (9-for-13) shooting and forced five turnovers during the run.

Niagara had a 21-10 lead with eight minutes left in the half when the Stags went on a 16-3 run en route to a 26-24 halftime lead; the Purple Eagles were held scoreless for the final four minutes.

Two Meghan Waterman's free throws gave the Purple Eagles their last lead of the game, 31-29, with 15 minutes left. Fairfield gradually pulled away late in the half with a 9-0 run behind Katelyn Linney's game-high 17 points and Stephanie Geehan's double-double.

"I'm disappointed on our effort tonight, because what we are about we did not show tonight," head coach Kendra Faustin said.

Niagara went cold from the field, shooting 29 percent (7-for-24) in the second half. However, the story of the game was Fairfield's rebounding advantage. The Stags had a 50-32 advantage on the glass and had a 21-5 offensive rebounding edge.

Senior Rachele Folino finished with a team-high 12 points and freshman Jessica Flamm had eight points. Waterman grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and freshman Kayla Stroman dished out five assists.

Niagara concludes its regular season against Saint Peter's on Sunday at 2 p.m. where the senior class will be honored before the game.