NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. — Despite a strong first-half performance, Niagara fell to Kent State 89-73 on Thursday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.
 
How it Happened
After building their largest lead of nine points in the first quarter, the Purple Eagles (1-6) ended the first quarter with a 20-19 lead but trailed 43-42 at halftime.
 
Kent State pulled away in the second half, outscoring Niagara 46-31 as it shot 63.0 percent from the field in the third and fourth quarters combined, scoring 28 points in the paint and 17 off Niagara's 10 second-half turnovers.
 
Marlie Dickerson led Niagara with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Safiatu Kolliegbo added 17 points and Talia Dial contributed eight points off the bench.
 
The Purple Eagles shot 41.4 percent from the field and connected on 11 3-pointers but struggled at the free throw line, making just 4-of-8 attempts.
 
Niagara Notes
• The Purple and White fall to 1-2 all-time against Kent State.
• Niagara set season-highs in 3-pointers made (11), 3-pointers attempted (31), and assists (20).
 • The Purple and White last took 30 or more 3-pointers in a game on Feb. 17, 2024 against Marist.
• Niagara last recorded a game with 20 or more assists on Feb. 8, 2024 at Manhattan.
• Dickerson set a career-high in points (22) and 3-pointers (four).
• Fenceroy's nine assists is the most by a Purple Eagle since Angel Parker dished out 10 against Iona on Dec. 16, 2023.
• Porter tallied seven points in her first game since the season opener at Syracuse on Nov. 5.
 
Up Next
Niagara will play its next three games on the road, beginning with a trip to Olean, N.Y., on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to take on Big Four rival St. Bonaventure at 6:30 p.m. inside the Reilly Center.