BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Purple Eagles women's basketball team fell to crosstown rival Canisius, 64-60, in an overtime thriller on Thursday.

Game Summary
Final Score: Canisius 64, Niagara 60
Leading Scorers: Victoria Rampado (20 points), Jai Moore (11 points), Kaylee Stroemple (11 points)
Records: Canisius (7-15, 5-6 MAAC), Niagara (8-14, 5-6 MAAC)
Location: Koessler Athletic Center – Buffalo, N.Y.

Game Recap

• The Purple Eagles went on an 11-1 run in the first quarter, buoyed by four points from both Moore and Stroemple Four more points from Moore helped NU to a 15-8 lead over the Griffs at the end of the first quarter.
• Kharysma Bryant opened scoring in the second quarter, starting the Purple Eagles on a 9-0 run which also included five points from Jamie Sherburne and extended Niagara's lead, 24-8. Sherburne hit her second 3-pointer of the game with a little under five minutes remaining in the quarter to put NU up, 27-10. The Griffs went on a run of their own, 8-0, to cut Niagara's lead, but NU stayed ahead and went into halftime leading Canisius, 29-22.
• After making two 3-pointers to start the third quarter, Canisius trailed Niagara by only one point, 29-28, with over seven and a half minutes remaining. The Griffs took their first lead of the game, 30-29, with six and a half minutes left. Despite the score being tied three times during the third quarter, Canisius took the advantage late, leading 41-38 going into the fourth quarter.
• Ten points from Rampado in the fourth quarter helped put NU back in the lead, 51-50, with about 3:45 left in the quarter. Canisius came back to take a 58-55 lead, but a huge 3-pointer from Stroemple with 1.7 seconds left tied things up, 58-58, and forced the game into overtime.
• Two free throws from Rampado were Niagara's only points in the overtime period and Canisius came away with the 64-60 victory.

Coach's Corner

• "That was every bit of a rivalry game and what you expect from it," said head coach Jada Pierce. "I think we came out really strong, which was the game plan. Unfortunately, we didn't capitalize enough, but I do love the fight we had today, to come back and send it into overtime; I think that says a lot about our group. We saw some good moments today that I think we can build on."

Inside the Numbers

• Rampado led the Purple Eagles with 20 points and 14 rebounds to record her tenth double-double of the season.
• Moore and Stroemple each added 11 points and Sherburne had 10.
• Sherburne led the Purple Eagles with a career-high five steals and Moore led the team in assists with three.

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles return to the Gallagher Center to host Saint Peter's on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:00 p.m.

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