Box Score
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's basketball team was edged by the Siena Saints, 56-52, on Friday at the Gallagher Center.

"Down the stretch, I didn't think we executed as aggressively and confidently as we did when we played Fairfield," head coach Kendra Faustin said. "It is really disappointing because that's not who we are or what we talk about."

Niagara (7-7, 3-2 MAAC) had three Purple Eagles record double figures led by Victoria Rampado's 14 points. Rampado, who also had a team-high nine rebounds, was joined in double figures by Meghan McGuinness and Taylor McKay both with 10 points. Kelly Van Leeuwen dished out a season-high seven assists while only committing just one turnover.

The difference of the game came down to free throws, rebounding and season-high 16 points by Siena's Emia Willingham. Siena (9-5, 2-3 MAAC) made 13-for-15 (86.7 percent) from the free throw line while NU went 14-for-19 (73.7 percent) from the charity stipe. The Saints also outrebounded the Purple Eagles, 38-33, which was only the fifth time this season Niagara has been outdone on the boards.

The first half opened with early back-and-forth action as Niagara and Siena traded baskets before the Saints were able to build their first substantial lead of the game, 31-20, with 2:05 left in the half. 

The Purple Eagles cut that 11-point deficit down to six with a minute and eighteen seconds left in the first half and went into intermission trailing 31-25. NU stayed within striking distance after scoring the first eight points of the second half, in part to Rampado and McGuinness making clutch shots.  

The Purple Eagles continued to chip away at the lead and cut it to one point on three occasions over the next six minutes. McKay knocked down a jumper with 10:05 remaining to put Niagara up 41-40 until Siena responded with a three-pointer to reclaim a 43-41 lead. Foul trouble strained Niagara in the following minutes but a pair of free throws by Van Leeuwen tied the game, 52-52, with just under two minutes to play. The Purple Eagles were forced to foul down the stretch as Siena scored the last four points of the contest off free throws to seal the game.

"The big picture was that our shots just weren't falling and we didn't do a good job moving the ball in the first half," Faustin said. "Siena competed hard and showed great resolve only playing seven players."

Despite the loss, Niagara matched its season-high in steals (12) to take an 18-15 advantage in points off turnovers against Siena.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Sunday when they welcome the Quinnipiac Bobcats to the Gallagher Center for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off.