POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team had their winning streak halted at three games after dropping Friday evening’s contest to the Marist Red Foxes 68-41 at McCann Arena.
 
The Red Foxes (18-6, 13-0 MAAC) built their lead early in the game while the Purple Eagles (12-12, 7-6 MAAC) battled an unfavorable rim.  The Purple Eagles were able to cut into the deficit with a small run late in the half.  Kayla Stroman got things started with a jumper, and combined with four points from Val McQuade and another layup from Kelly Van Leeuwen, they went on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 13 points, 28-15 with two minutes left in the half. 
 
Marist was able to extend its lead before half to send the two teams into the half with the host leading 35-15.

"I was disappointed in our lack of aggressiveness in the first half," said head coach Kendra Faustin.  "I thought we were unaggressive offensively and a little bit tentative defensively as well."

Niagara would almost double its offensive output in the second half, scoring 26 points, but the Red Foxes were able to maintain their lead on the way to a 68-41 win.

Shy Britton scored a team-high eight points and McQuade led the team with eight rebounds.  Niagara won the battle of the boards, outrebounding its opponent 42-32, and hit all 10 attempts from the free-throw line.
 
The Purple Eagles are back on the court this Sunday when they close out the season series with Siena at 2 p.m.