NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team defeated its archrivals, the Canisius Golden Griffins, 52-49, in front of a soldout crowd at the Gallagher Center. Niagara has won five out of its last six games, including three-straight. Niagara is now tied for third place in the conference with the win.

"It was a battle as always, they made big shots and we made big shots," head coach Kendra Faustin said.  "What  a great atmosphere to have a rivalry game on kids' day."

Niagara (8-13, 5-5 MAAC) dug itself out of a 27-20 halftime deficit with a 20-5 run to start the second half. The Purple Eagles scored seven-straight points to tie the game at 27-27 and sophomore guard Ali Morris made a free throw to give Niagara 30-29 lead to which it never relinquished.

"We played Purple Eagles basketball in the second half," Faustin said.  "At halftime, I told them to move the ball and get better people movement. We did a great job with ball movement in the second half to get some open looks. Overall I was really pleased."

Niagara pushed its lead to 40-32 with 9:38 left in the half for the largest lead of the game over Canisius (9-12, 4-6 MAAC). However, the Golden Griffins would not go away quietly. Canisius battled back into the game and cut the lead to, 48-46, with 1:21 left in the game.

After both teams exchanged scoreless possession, freshman Kayla Stroman hit the biggest shot of the game with 19 seconds remaining. Stroman drained a jumper just inside of the 3-point line as the shot clock expired to give NU a 50-46 lead. Stroman, then, sealed the game with free throws.

Stroman finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. Rachele Folino and Flooks each scored 10 points and were the other Purple Eagles to score in double-figures. Jaclyn Konieczka followed her career-high 21 points against Marist with nine points and a career-high with 11 rebounds. Sophomore Ali Morris added nine points, six asssists and zero turnovers in the win.

Niagara forced 20 Canisius turnovers and held them to its lowest point total in the series in 32 years. The Purple Eagles also controlled the glass, especially on the offensive end, pulling in 23 offensive boards, one off their season-best.

The Purple Eagles' next game is against the Rider Broncs on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.