NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles lost a close game to defending MAAC champions Quinnipiac Bobcats, 61-54, on Friday.

"The rebounding and the turnovers are the two things that stand out about this game," said Purple Eagles head coach Jada Pierce. "Those are things we talked about this week. We knew Quinnipiac was a good rebounding team and that we had to keep them off the boards. We didn't do a good job of that today. As far as the turnovers, I think our guards got a little out of sorts because of the pressure they were under for most of the game and we just didn't handle that well for whatever reason today."

Sam Lapszynski led Niagara in scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds, recording the seventh double-double of her career. Lapszynski also led the team in steals with a career-best of three. Tiffany Corselli and Taylor McKay both added nine points for the Purple Eagles. Jamie Sherburne led the team in assists with four.

The Purple Eagles, coming off a three-game winning streak, came out looking energetic on both offense and defense. Less than half way through the first quarter, after a 3-pointer from Corselli, two free throws from Lapszynski and a lay-up from Kaylee Stroemple, Niagara (6-10, 3-4 MAAC) led Quinnipiac 11-4. However, the Bobcats made a comeback and, with 1:55 remaining in the quarter, the score was tied, 13-13. At the end of the first, Quinnipiac had a narrow 15-14 lead.

Less than one minute into the second quarter, McKay made a basket to tie up the score once again, 15-15. After two more baskets from McKay, the Purple Eagles regained a lead, 19-17, with over seven minutes to play in the first half. The Bobcats (8-7, 3-3 MAAC), however, were able to slip away from the Purple Eagles again and, going into halftime, Quinnipiac was ahead of Niagara, 30-25.

The Purple Eagles remained persistent through the third quarter, but Quinnipiac took advantage of turnovers and, at the end of the third, the Bobcats maintained the lead, 47-36.

Back to back lay-ups from Lapszynski to start the fourth cut the Bobcats' lead to seven points, 47-40. However, the Purple Eagles were not able to regain a lead and their win streak was snapped.

Niagara plays again on Sunday, Jan. 17 against Rider at 2:00 p.m. in the Gallagher Center. The game will be broadcast live on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel. Time Warner subscribers can watch the game on channels 52 or 323.

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