Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The Purple Eagles fell to the Marist Red Foxes by a score of 63-44 on Sunday afternoon at the McCann Arena.

Ali Morris hit the first shot of the game for Niagara (5-13, 2-4 MAAC) and halted an early 7-0 run by Marist (11-6, 6-0 MAAC). The Purple Eagles battled throughout the first half and a Meghan McGuinness three-pointer combined with a Shy Britton layup off of a fast break led to a 5-0 run by the Purple Eagles to end the half, with the score 32-19.
 
Niagara was led in the first half by Lauren Gatto, who had five points and three rebounds.

"Marist is a very talented basketball team and they proved it today," head coach Kendra Faustin said.  "We have to do the little things, like make finish easy shots, communicate on defense, and secure rebounds to compete on the road in the MAAC."

Niagara hit the first basket of the second half as Gatto converted a layup to continue the run from the first half and reduced Marist’s lead to 32-21.  Marist reponded with a 10-0 run before a Val McQuade layup at the 12:42 mark sent the Purple Eagles on a 13-2 run that was capped by a Jess Flamm jumper to bring Niagara within 17, 53-36.
 
The Red Foxes were able to pull away down the stretch and come out with a 63-44 win. 
 
McGuinness led the Purple Eagles with nine points on the afternoon and Kayla Stroman pulled in a team-high five rebounds. 
 
Niagara is back in action on Thursday when it travels to take on Battle of the Bridge rival Canisius for the National MAAC Game of the Week broadcast live on ESPN3.  Tipoff is at 6 pm.