SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Despite forcing 30 turnovers and mounting a spirited third-quarter comeback, Niagara fell to Syracuse 108-84 in its season opener Tuesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (0-1, 0-0 MAAC) trailed by 15 at halftime before erupting for 31 third-quarter points to cut the deficit to 73-63. Safiatu Kolliegbo and Talia Dial sparked the surge, with Dial hitting a pair of crucial 3-pointers and Niagara's pressure defense frustrated the Orange into multiple turnovers.
 
The Purple Eagles consistently disrupted Syracuse's offense throughout the game, recording 19 steals and forcing 30 turnovers. However, Syracuse (1-0, 0-0 ACC) shot 60.3% from the field and pulled away in the fourth quarter behind Kyra Wood's game-high 19 points.
 
Marlie Dickerson added 15 points for Niagara, while Amelia Strong contributed 14 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting. LaKeeyah Barnes provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.
 
Niagara Notes
• Tuesday's contest marked the 16th meeting all-time between Niagara and Syracuse with the Orange extending its lead in the series to 12-4.
• Niagara is the first team to force Syracuse into 30 turnovers in over 11 years.   
• All six of Niagara's newcomers to play in the contest scored at least two points.
• Niagara's 31-point third quarter was the first time a team has scored 30 or more in a quarter against Syracuse since Nov. 21, 2022 when Penn State tallied 37 in the fourth.
• The Purple Eagles last scored 30-plus points in a quarter in the first-round of the WNIT last season against Le Moyne.
• Four Purple Eagles recorded double-figures, including a career-high 15 from Dickerson.
 
Up Next
Niagara will travel to West Virgina to take on the Moutaineers on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.