Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team suffered a one point loss on Saturday, dropping a 58-57 decision to Canisius on a last second shot at the Gallagher Center.
 
With nine seconds left in the game, Canisius (11-12, 5-7 MAAC) inbounded the ball to Ashley Durham who was defended closely by Niagara (8-16, 5-7 MAAC) but was able to connect on an off balance shot to give the Golden Griffins their fourth and final lead of the game.
 
“It was a traditional Canisius/Niagara game,” head coach Kendra Faustin said.  “We wanted to contain to make them hit a jump shot to beat us.  There was .9 seconds left, that’s one dribble.  She takes one more dribble and she doesn’t get that shot off.”
 
Niagara led Canisius for most of the contest before the final seconds.  The Purple Eagles were in front for the first 16 minutes of the game as they effectively utilized the depth of their bench.  Niagara’s bench players accounted for 17 of the team’s 57 points, outscoring Canisius’ bench players 17-5.
 
Canisius took the lead twice late in the first half, but Niagara went into the break up 35-32 thanks to a 3-pointer by Meghan McGuinness and a last second steal and a layup by Kayla Stroman. 
 
Niagara had a 24-11 advantage in points off-turnovers and outscored Canisius 8-4 in fast break points.
 
The Purple Eagles were in control throughout most of the second half as well, building a 10-point lead through the first ten minutes of the half as Stroman, McGuinness and Jess Flamm made three-pointers within a three-minute span. 
 
Canisius chipped away at Niagara's lead, but NU did not fade away.  After the Golden Griffins took a one-point lead with 1:21 remaining, Stroman drove to the basket to make a layup and drew a foul. She made the ensuing free throw to give Niagara a 57-55 lead with 50 seconds left on the clock. 
 
“Both teams are really young, our sophomore class is crazy talented,” Faustin said.  “I think we’ll see a lot of games like this that go down to the wire and are close, that’s how it goes.”

Niagara was led by Stroman’s 17 points while Ali Morris and Chanel Johnson tied for the team-high in rebounds with each grabbing seven.
 
The Purple Eagles are back in action next Friday as they kick off their final road trip of the season against Manhattan with a 7 p.m. tip.