NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's basketball team won its first game of the season on Saturday beating Cleveland State in overtime, 73-72.

Leading the way for the Purple Eagles (1-3) was Sam Lapszynski, who recorded the most productive game of her career. Lapsynski, who had her first start of the season, led the team in scoring with a career-high 24 points and in rebounds with a career-high 11 for her first career double-double. She also contributed a career-best three blocks.

"Sam was a big part of the game plan," said head coach Jada Pierce. "We knew Victoria would be out and we asked Sam to really step up and she did. I mean, she really went to the challenge; she was ready for it and you know what; Sam can do that every night if that's what she wants to do."

The Purple Eagles came out looking sharp on both offense and defense. Niagara scored six straight points to start the first quarter, with four of those points coming off of Cleveland State (0-4) turnovers. The Purple Eagles led the entire first quarter, and went into the second quarter leading 21-15.

The Vikings, however, made a comeback in the second quarter, taking over the lead, 30-29, with 3:35 left in the half. Niagara battled back, regaining a lead with just 44 seconds left in the second quarter after Emily Granruth scored a 3-pointer. The Purple Eagles went into halftime leading 34-32.

In the second half, the score continued to remain close. With less than five minutes left in the half, the Vikings led 59-55, but, after a Cleveland State foul with 2:40 left, Lapszynski went to the free-throw line, making both shots and leaving Niagara trailing by only two points.

A lay-up by Lapszynski with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter tied the game at 61 and brought the Purple Eagles and Vikings into overtime.

Lapszynski opened scoring in overtime, shooting a lay-up less than 15 seconds into the period. With 11 seconds left in overtime, Taylor McKay made two free-throws to put the Purple Eagles up 73-69.

The Vikings' Adesuwa Aideyman made a good 3-pointer as time expired, but the Purple Eagles maintained their lead and won their first game of the season. The win was also Pierce's first win as the Purple Eagles' head coach.

Niagara plays next on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 12:00 p.m. against the Detroit Titans in Detroit, Michigan.

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