OLEAN, N.Y. – Despite strong performances from Marlie Dickerson and Caliana Fenceroy, who each scored 15 points, Niagara fell to St. Bonaventure 76-68 on Tuesday night at the Reilly Center.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-7, 0-0 MAAC) built an early lead and were ahead by as many as 12 points in the second quarter, but couldn't hold off a second-half surge from the Bonnies (4-6, 0-0 Atlantic 10).
 
Safiatu Kolliegbo added 14 points for Niagara, while Jade Rutledge contributed eight points and five rebounds. The Purple Eagles forced 29 turnovers but struggled from the field, shooting just 33.8 percent, 25-for-74, for the game.
 
After taking a 37-30 lead into halftime, Niagara saw their advantage slip away in the third quarter as St. Bonaventure outscored them 28-17 in the period. The Purple Eagles kept it close down the stretch, pulling within two points at 70-68 with 1:14 remaining, but the Bonnies closed the game on a 6-0 run.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 25-41 all-time against St. Bonaventure.
• The Purple Eagles recorded 14 steals, their fifth game this season with 14 or more steals.
• Five Purple Eagles recorded two or more steals in the loss.
• NU forced 29 St. Bonaventure turnovers, tied for the third most in a game this season.
• Niagara was out-rebounded 55-33, marking the sixth time this season the Purple and White have been beaten on the glass by double-digits.
• Dickerson notched her sixth game this season with 15 or more points.
• Fenceroy finished with a season and career-high 15 points.
 
Up Next
Niagara and Siena will begin MAAC play on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. from the UHY Center.

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