NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Despite leading for three quarters, the Niagara women's basketball was defeated by Rider, 76-72, on Sunday.

"What I saw was a lack of defense and a lack of execution on offense," said Purple Eagles head coach Jada Pierce. "I thought we did get ourselves out of it; we had done it earlier in the game but, you know, that one is on the coaching staff and that is on me."

Kaylee Stroemple led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 20 points, tying her career-high. Sam Lapszynski and Tiffany Corselli led the team in rebounding with seven rebounds each. Corselli added 14 points and Lapszynski added 13 points. Taylor McKay had 11 points and McKay, Corselli and Jamie Sherburne all had four assists.

Niagara (6-19, 4-12 MAAC) got off to a quick start, going on a 6-0 run to start the first quarter. The Purple Eagles held the Broncs to only six points in the first, and led 15-6 going into the second quarter. Stroemple had nine of Niagara's first quarter points. The Broncs (6-19, 3-13 MAAC) started to make a comeback in the second quarter, but the Purple Eagles held onto their lead and went into halftime ahead 35-26.

Niagara maintained its lead through the third quarter and went into the final quarter leading 53-46. The Broncs made an offensive surge to start the fourth quarter and with 5:44 to go, took their first lead of the game, 58-57. With 26 second left, Jayla Nichols hit a 3-pointer to put the Purple Eagles down by only one point, 70-69. With seven seconds left, Emily Granruth also sank a 3-point shot, but it was not enough to overcome the Broncs' lead.

The Purple Eagles play next on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:00 p.m. against Monmouth in the Gallagher Center.

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