Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., NY – Despite several extended runs, the Niagara women’s basketball team dropped its first home game of the New Year to the Iona Gaels 71-61 on Saturday.
 
In the first half, Iona (6-8, 2-1 MAAC) built the largest lead in the game, 30-13, with just under nine minutes left in the half.   After trading baskets for a few minutes, a jumper by Lauren Gatto with 4:07 left on the clock began an 11-0 run for the Purple Eagles (4-10, 1-2 MAAC). 
 
Niagara had five different players score on the run as well as force five turnovers, including three steals, and outrebounded Iona 5-2  during the half-ending run, heading into the break down four points, 37-33.
 
“We did some different things on defense today,” said head coach Kendra Faustin.  “Our players made adjustments well on the fly but we just didn’t finish with boxing out.”

To begin the second half Niagara found itself in another hole, this time by nine points, with 11 minutes remaining.  A layup by Val McQuade got the 11-2 run started and a three-pointer by Kelly Van Leeuwen tied the game at 56-56 with eight minutes remaining. 
 
The teams traded baskets until the Gaels were able to pull away with five minutes left in regulation and walk away with a 71-61 victory.
 
The Purple Eagles were led by Kayla Stroman’s 12 points and McQuade’s seven rebounds.
 
Niagara is back in action on Monday night when it hosts Saint Peter’s at 7 p.m.