FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Niagara's offensive struggles continued Saturday as the Purple Eagles shot just 25.9 percent from the field in an 86-43 loss to Sacred Heart at the William H. Pitt Center.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-16, 0-9 MAAC) went 0-for-17 from 3-point range and couldn't keep pace with Sacred Heart's efficient offense, which shot 51.7 percent overall.
 
Safiatu Kolliegbo led Niagara with 14 points but struggled from the field, going 6-for-15. The Purple Eagles fell behind early and never led, trailing 17-9 after the first quarter and 39-24 at halftime.
 
Niagara's shooting woes were particularly evident in the third quarter when they managed just six points on 3-of-17 shooting (17.6%). The Purple Eagles also committed 23 turnovers which led to 29 Sacred Heart points.
 
Lore Porter added seven points for Niagara but went 1-for-13 from the field, including 0-for-10 from three-point range. The Purple Eagles were outscored 50-22 in the paint.
 
Niagara Notes
• Saturday was the first meeting between Niagara and Sacred Heart.
• The Purple and White have shot less than 30.0 percent from the field in four-straight games.
• The loss marked Niagara's eighth consecutive by 20 or more points.
• Kolliegbo has recorded double-digit points in eight of nine league games.
• Jemima Lacroix led NU with five rebounds, her third-straight game with five or more boards.
 
Up Next
Niagara will host Battle of the Bridge Rival Canisius on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. inside the Gallagher Center.