NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's basketball team rallied from a halftime deficit and had several chances to win in the final seconds, but eventually fell to the Monmouth Hawks, 81-69, in double overtime in the Gallagher Center on Friday.
 
"It's definitely a disappointing loss," head coach Kendra Faustin said. "However, we fought the entire game and I was really proud of our effort down the stretch and I think we showed a lot of character."

Coming out of the break with a 28-25 advantage, Monmouth (11-15, 7-10 MAAC) was able to build its lead over Niagara (12-14, 8-9 MAAC) to 38-31 five minutes into the second half.  Two baskets by Taylor McKay got Niagara's offense in gear and set off a 6-0 run to put the Purple Eagles within one, 38-37.
  
The Hawks were able to build another seven point lead, 52-45, over the following nine minutes but five consecutive points from Victoria Rampado brought the Purple Eagles back within two. Meghan McGuinness knocked down two free throws to tie the contest 54-54 with 1:21 left to play in the game. In under a minute to play, Niagara took its only lead in the second half after a layup by McKay. However, the visitors were able to respond with a bucket of their own with 39 seconds on the clock which was followed by a NU timeout.
 
Regulation would come to an end as Niagara wasn't able to convert on the final possession and the game went into overtime tied 56-56.
 
The first overtime session began with a layup by Monmouth, but the Purple Eagles took a 63-58 lead with another basket by McKay after a Kelly Van Leeuwen 3-pointer. The Hawks tied the game for the fourth time at 63-63 with 17 seconds remaining. Niagara again had the last possession of the period but was unable to convert.
 
In the second overtime period, Monmouth built an early six-point lead with 3:53 remaining with two contested three-point baskets. Niagara could not fight its way back as Monmouth came away with an 81-69 victory.
 
The Purple Eagles were led in scoring by McKay's 19 points, which is a new career-high for the junior. Rampado and Donisha Watson led the way in rebounds, pulling in eight boards on apiece, leading an effort that saw Niagara outrebound Monmouth 52-42.

"Taylor has been extremely consistent for us these past three games," Faustin stated. "She's so tough and a big reason we stayed in the game."

Rampado and McGuinness were also in double figures as the duo combined for 30 points on the night while Van Leeuwen led the team once again with seven assists.
 
The Purple Eagles are back on the court Sunday when they host the Rider Broncs for Senior Day at 1 p.m. for the final home game of the season.  There will be a pregame ceremony to honor seven seniors, Meghan McGuinness, Kelly Van Leeuwen, Val McQuade, Gabby Baldasare, Donisha Watson, Kelyn Freedman, and Tiye Davis for their commitment and dedication to the women's basketball program.