NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles fell to crosstown rival Canisius, 72-66, in their final home game of the 2017-18 season on Tuesday.
Game Summary
Final Score: Canisius 72, Niagara 66
Leading Scorers: Jai Moore (20 points), Victoria Rampado (16 points)
Records: Canisius (10-18, 8-9 MAAC), Niagara (11-17, 8-9 MAAC)
Location: Gallagher Center – Niagara University, N.Y.
Game Recap
- The Griffs dominated most of the first quarter and, despite eight points from Rampado, Canisius led Niagara, 17-10, at the end of the first.
- The Purple Eagles went on a 12-0 run early in the second quarter, which included a 3-pointer from Claire Wanzer and a 3-point play from Jamie Sherburne, and with about four and a half minutes NU led the Griffs, 22-20. Moore had 10 points in the second quarter and helped the Purple Eagles to a 32-30 lead at the end of the half.
- The third quarter saw the momentum swing back to Canisius, who started the quarter on a 9-2 run to regain the lead, 39-34. With just under four minutes left of play in the quarter, Moore hit a jumper to give Niagara the lead back, 40-39. The Golden Griffins, however, held a 48-44 lead at the end of the third.
- The Purple Eagles and the Griffs traded baskets in the fourth quarter, but Canisius began to pull away late. Despite two 3-pointers from Kaylee Stroemple in the final minute of the game, Canisius came away with the 72-66 victory to sweep the season's Battle of the Bridge series.
Coach's Corner
- "Tonight was a tough game for us," said head coach Jada Pierce. "I thought we battled the whole way. It's always a tough pill to swallow when you don't come on the winning side of a rivalry game. We have a few things to clean up here and there, but overall, I'm proud of the effort that we gave today."
Inside the Numbers
- Moore led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 20 points, tying her career-high.
- Rampado led the team with eight rebounds and had 16 points.
- Stroemple finished with 12 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter.
- Sherburne added 11 points and had a team-best three assists.
Up Next
- The Purple Eagles close out the regular season at Marist on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m.
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