NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles women's basketball team defeated Rider 69-61 in the Gallagher Center on Friday night to split their season series with the Broncs.

Game Summary
Final Score: Niagara 69, Rider 61
Leading Scorers: Victoria Rampado (26 points), Jai Moore (18 points)
Records: Niagara  (10-16, 7-8 MAAC), Saint Peter's  (11-15, 8-7 MAAC)
Location: Gallagher Center – Niagara University, N.Y.


Game Recap

• Niagara and Rider started the evening in a defensive showdown. In the final 2:08 of the first quarter, the Purple Eagles closed out the Broncs with an 8-2 run, headlined by four points from Kharysma Bryant. The Purple Eagles led the Broncs, 13-8, going into the second quarter.
• Niagara dominated Rider late in the second quarter, going on an 11-0 run. The Purple Eagles led by 10 points, 32-22, at the end of the first half.  
• While the Broncs cut the lead down to seven early into the third quarter, the Purple Eagles lead was sound through the third quarter. Moore scored 10 of her 18 points during the fourth quarter, helping Niagara to a 49-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.
• Rider cut into Niagara's lead in the fourth quarter, but the Purple Eagles remained in control, coming away with the 69-61 victory.

 
 
Coach's Corner

• "It was a great team win tonight," said head coach Jada Pierce. "Everyone that played tonight contributed. I'm proud of how we stayed the course to gut out this win. When shots aren't always falling we know that we have to rely on our defense to get stops. We did a nice job of getting key stops at the end of the game to close it out."

Inside the Numbers

• Rampado led the Purple Eagles in scoring and rebounding with 26 points and 13 rebounds to record her 12^th double-double of the season.
• Moore recorded 18 points for Niagara, her 10^th consecutive game scoring in double digits.
• Kaylee Stroemple led the team with a season-high six assists.  

 
Up Next

• The Purple Eagles continue their three-game homestand against the Monmouth Hawks on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m. Prior to the start of the game, Niagara's graduating seniors, Victoria Rampado, Jamie Sherburne and Kaylee Stroemple, will be honored.

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 @NUPurpleEagles.