JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Purple Eagles women's basketball team defeated MAAC opponent Saint Peter's, 52-48, on Friday night.

"I told the girls in the pregame talk that it was going to take a lot of grit to gut this win out today," said Niagara head coach Jada Pierce. "We have always talked about defense, defense, defense and now we are finally putting that together."

Taylor McKay led Niagara in scoring with 15 points. Sam Lapszynski recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kaylee Stroemple added 11 points and six rebounds.

McKay owned the first half of the game for Niagara, scoring seven of its 15 points. McKay scored the first points for the Purple Eagles a little less than one minute into the game and scored another basket with a little over five minutes remaining in the first quarter. A basket from Tiffany Corselli and two free throws from Emily Granruth put the Purple Eagles in the lead, 8-7, at the end of the first quarter.

Stroemple opened scoring in the second quarter, extending Niagara's lead to 10-7. McKay sank another basket to put the Purple Eagles up 13-11 with a little less than six minutes remaining in the second quarter, but the Peacocks picked up steam and with 5:03 left to play in the first half of the game, the score was tied 13-13. Going into halftime, the Peacocks maintained a narrow lead, 19-15.

In the third quarter, Stroemple and Corselli hit back to back 3-pointers for the Purple Eagles to take back their lead, 28-26, with a little under five minutes left to play in the quarter. Jamie Sherburne added another three for Niagara and at the end of the third quarter, the Purple Eagles led the Peacocks 34-33.

Stroemple sank a basket to start the fourth quarter, putting the Purple Eagles up 36-35. With a little over seven minutes to go, Lapszynski scored two and was fouled in the process, going to the charity stripe for one shot; she extended Niagara's lead to 39-35. With less than five minutes to play, the Peacocks made a comeback and tied up the score, 39-39. However, the Purple Eagles were quick to reclaim their lead; a free throw from Corselli and two baskets from McKay put them back in the lead, 44-39, with 3:39 left in the fourth. The Purple Eagles were able to hold off the Peacocks, taking home their second straight win.

The Purple Eagles play next at Rider on Sunday, Jan. 10.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for women's basketball updates at @NiagaraWBB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEaxgles.