WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Purple Eagles women's basketball team dropped a close game to Monmouth, 65-63, on Saturday.
Game Summary
Final Score: Monmouth 65, Niagara 63
Leading Scorers: Victoria Rampado (23 points), Jai Moore (19 points)
Records: Monmouth (7-17, 5-8 MAAC), Niagara (9-16, 6-8 MAAC)
Location: OceanFirst Bank Center – West Long Branch, N.J.
Game Recap
- Monmouth jumped out to an early lead and held a 19-10 lead with a little under two and a half minutes remaining in the first quarter. A 3-pointer from Rampado and a three from Moore as time expired in the first cut Monmouth's lead. The Hawks led the Purple Eagles, 21-16, at the end of the first quarter.
- The Purple Eagles quickly cut the Hawks' lead in the second quarter, going on a 12-2 run to take a 28-26 lead over Monmouth. Rampado added eight points in the second quarter and Moore had six points. Niagara led the Hawks, 36-33, at the end of the first half.
- Rampado added eight more points in the third quarter, which helped NU to a 49-44 lead with a little under three minutes to go in the third. Monmouth, however, went on a 6-0 run and took a 50-49 lead with a little under two minutes remaining. Another 3-pointer from Moore put Niagara back in the lead, 52-50, but the Hawks scored once more and the teams were tied, 52-52, going into the fourth quarter.
- The lead changed 10 times in the fourth quarter and with about 7:45 left, a 3-pointer from Jamie Sherburne put NU in the lead, 57-56. With a little over three minutes remaining, Niagara had a 63-62 advantage but a huge 3-pointer from Monmouth with about 18 seconds remaining in the game earned the Hawks the 65-63 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- Rampado led the Purple Eagles with 23 points and Rampado and Kaylee Stroemple each had a team-high six rebounds.
- Moore added 19 points and brought down five rebounds and Stroemple had 12 points.
Up Next
- The Purple Eagles begin a three-game home stand on Friday, Feb. 16 hosting Rider at 7:00 p.m. for their annual Play4Kay game.
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