Game 1
SCORE	St. Bonaventure 71 – Niagara 67 (OT)
RECORDS	St. Bonaventure (1-1) – Niagara (0-1)
LOCATION	Reilly Center

 
OLEAN, N.Y. – After coming from behind to take the lead, the Purple Eagles ultimately fell to St. Bonaventure in overtime in their season opener on Thursday night.

Game Recap

• The Bonnies jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, going on a 7-0 run to open the game. A three from Morgan Baughman and four points from Emerald Ekpiteta left the Purple Eagles within striking distance of the Bonnies, 20-13, going into the second quarter.
• Jai Moore picked up steam, scoring twelve of NU's 18 second quarter points. Trailing just 28-27 with over two minutes to go in the half, Angel Parker made a bucket to give the Purple Eagles their first lead of the game, 29-28. Niagara went into halftime leading the Bonnies by one, 31-30.
• Niagara began to pull away in the third quarter. Back-to-back threes from Maggie McIntyre, followed by another 3-pointer from Baughman, extended Niagara's lead, 42-39, with a little over six minutes remaining in the third. Five points from both Adia Brisker and Moore, and another trey from McIntyre, gave Niagara a 10-point lead, 57-47, going into the fourth quarter.
• The Bonnies, however, largely dominated the fourth quarter. Jordan Edwards hit a three early in the quarter to keep NU up by 10, 60-50, but St. Bonaventure came back, allowing the Purple Eagles only five more points in the quarter. Two free throws from the Bonnies with just 17 seconds left tied the score, 65-65, forcing the game into overtime.
• Olivia Mason scored NU's only two points in the overtime period as the Purple Eagles fell to the Bonnies, 71-67.

Coach's Corner

• "This was a very hard-fought game from start to finish," said head coach Jada Pierce. "I'm proud of the fight our team displayed tonight. I know we will take this game and learn from it. There were a lot of positives to take away on both ends of the floor. We were able to get some solid play from our bench tonight and as the season goes on, this will be a huge asset for us."

Eagle's Eye On…

• Moore led all scorers with 22 points. She also added six rebounds for the Purple Eagles.
• Brisker led the team in rebounding with nine boards.
• McIntyre had a team-high four assists, while also adding nine points.
• Ekpiteta has a team-best two steals.
• Mason recorded two blocks.
• Parker added eight points for the Purple Eagles.

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles open their home schedule against Big 4 rival Buffalo on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

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