Niagara University Athletics

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team started off the 2016-17 season strong, defeating the St. Bonaventure Bonnies for the first time since 2006.

Game Summary
Final Score: Niagara 65, St. Bonaventure 43
Leading Scorers: Victoria Rampado (17 points), Tiffany Corselli (11 points)
Records: Niagara (1-0, 0-0 MAAC), St. Bonaventure (0-1, 0-0 A10)
Location: Taps Gallagher Center – Niagara University, N.Y.

Coach's Corner

• "It was nice to see the freshmen being able to mesh really well with the older guys that were out there that have played in our system," said Niagara head coach Jada Pierce. "To see the poise and the confidence that they showed was really promising."

 
Game Recap

• Niagara got off to a quick start in the first quarter, taking a 5-0 lead within the first 90 seconds. Rampado scored all five of those points, making a splash in her first game back after missing the majority of the 2015-16 season due to injury.
• Freshman Maggie McIntyre drained her first career three around the six-minute mark to keep the Purple Eagles in the lead, 11-2.
• The Bonnies went on a 6-2 run, but Carolyn Cosey made sure the Purple Eagles maintained their lead, hitting a jumper to score her first points at the Gallagher Center and keep Niagara on top, 15-8.
• Freshman Morgan Baughman hit a 3-pointer with four seconds remaining in the first quarter to give the Purple Eagles a 22-18 lead.
• The Bonnies crept back in the second quarter, narrowing Niagara's lead to three points, but Baughman hit another three to give the Purple Eagles some breathing room and bring the score to 25-19. Baughman hit her third three of the game with 2:26 remaining in the first half.
• The Purple Eagles really hit their stride in the third quarter, ending the quarter ahead of St. Bonaventure, 49-33.
• In the fourth quarter, Corselli gave Niagara a 21-point lead, 56-35, over the Bonnies, sinking three free throws with a little over seven minutes remaining.
• Emily Granruth made two free throws with less than a minute remaining in the game to solidify the win for the Purple Eagles.

Inside the Numbers

• Rampado led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 17 points. She also had seven rebounds.
• Kaylee Stroemple led the team in rebounds with eight. Freshman Dagny Davidsdottir brought down seven rebounds.
• Corselli, Cosey and McIntyre led in assists with three each and Corselli and McIntyre led the team with two steals each.

Purple Points

• The Purple Eagles last won a home opener on Nov. 29, 2014 when they defeated Detroit, 71-49. That was also the last game in which Niagara defeated its opponent by over 20 points. 
• Niagara's last victory over St. Bonaventure was on Nov. 14, 2006; the Purple Eagles defeated the Bonnies, 71-64.

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles head to Michigan to take on the Wolverines on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3:00 p.m.

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.