LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — Despite a second-half rally that cut the deficit to five points, Niagara fell to Rider 79-59 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women's basketball action Saturday.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-12, 0-5 MAAC) trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half before mounting a comeback that bridged the second and third quarters. Led by Safiatu Kolliegbo, who finished with 17 points, Niagara trimmed Rider's lead to 42-38 early in the third quarter.
 
However, Rider (3-11, 1-4 MAAC) responded with a decisive run, pushing the advantage back to double digits behind Gabby Turco's game-high 24 points. The Broncs shot 56.3 percent from the field while holding Niagara to just 31.6 percent shooting.
 
Marlie Dickerson added 13 points for Niagara and Jordyn Williams contributed 12 points off the bench. The Purple Eagles struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 3-of-19 attempts. Niagara forced 27 Rider turnovers, resulting in 17 points.
 
Mariona Cos-Morales scored 13 points for Rider, which earned its first conference victory of the season.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 33-28 all-time against the Broncs with the loss snapping a six-game win streak over Rider.
• The Purple Eagles have shot less than 40.0 percent from the field six times in their seven-game skid.
• The seven-game losing streak for NU is its longest since dropping eight in a row in 2016-17.
• Kolliegbo matched her season-high with 11 attempts at the line.
• Williams recorded her second career game with double digit points.
• Dickerson reached double figures for the first time in five games. The 13-point outing was the juniors sixth game this season with at least 10 points.
• Kolliegbo notched her seventh consecutive game this season with double digit points.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on Fairfield on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. for Kids Day at the Gallagher Center.