PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Niagara women's basketball dropped its fourth consecutive game to start the season to Duquesne by the final score of 100-65 inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (0-4) were led by Marlie Dickerson's career-best 20 points, while Safiatu Kolliegbo added 16 points and four rebounds in the loss. Amelia Strong contributed 12 points but was limited by foul trouble.
 
Niagara shot just 35.7 percent from the field and committed 38 turnovers, which Duquesne converted into 45 points. The Dukes (2-1) took control early, racing to a 31-17 first-quarter lead and never looked back.
 
The Purple Eagles showed flashes of offensive efficiency in the second quarter, shooting 57.1 percent and matching Duquesne's 21 points in the period. However, they were unable to sustain that momentum after halftime, managing just 27 points in the second half.
 
Jade Rutledge, while held scoreless, contributed defensively with four blocks and four steals for Niagara.
 
The Dukes were paced by Jerni Kiaku's 24 points on efficient 10-of-12 shooting.
 
Niagara Notes
• The Purple Eagles move to 2-13 all-time against Duquesne.
• Dickerson, the Pennsylvania native, tallied a career-high 20 points.
• Rutledge recorded four blocks for the third time in her career and first time since Feb. 15, 2023 against Canisius.
• Kolliegbo had three of Niagara's 10 assists in the contest. The Garden State native also recorded a season-high eight free throw attempts and five made free throws.
• Niagara recorded season-highs in free throws made (20), free throw attempts (28), rebounds (38), and blocked shots (five).
• Neveah Otis led NU with six rebounds, followed by Rutledge and Dickerson with five caroms apiece.
 
Up Next
Niagara will return to the Gallagher Center for the first of four-straight home games on Wednesday, Nov. 20 when it hosts Cleveland State at 6 p.m.