NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Niagara University women's basketball team fell in its regular season finale 81-53 to the Iona Gaels on Saturday afternoon.
 
While the Purple Eagles (13-16, 9-11 MAAC) were able to take an early lead, the Gaels (15-14, 12-8 MAAC) took control with a 14-4 run. Iona then went ahead 30-15 with just over five minutes left in the first half before a 12-7 run by the Purple and White sent Niagara into the halftime trailing 37-27.

Meghan McGuinness opened up the scoring in the second half to bring the Purple Eagles within single digits, but Iona responded with a three-pointer on its next possession. Five consecutive points from Victoria Rampado brought NU to 40-34, however, Iona went on a 7-0 run to extend the lead. Over the next four minutes, it was a back-and-forth affair until Iona pulled away to a 62-41 lead. The Purple Eagles weren't able to get any closer as the Gaels came away with the 81-53 victory.

McGuinness scored a game-high 11 points and seven rebounds while Rampado contributed nine points on the afternoon. Gabby Baldasare also added seven points and Taylor McKay had a team-high four assists in the losing effort.
 
With the loss, the Purple Eagles will be playing in the first round of the MAAC Tournament starting on Thursday, Mar. 5 with the time TBD. Niagara can clinch sixth with a Monmouth loss tomorrow but will finish no worse than seventh if the Hawks win.