NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. — Niagara women's basketball showed resilience and fight Sunday afternoon, led by strong performances from Talia Dial and Jade Rutledge in an 81-72 contest against Saint Peter's at the Gallagher Center in Niagara University, N.Y.
 
Dial paced the Purple Eagles with 20 points on an impressive 6-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. Dial's perimeter shooting kept Niagara competitive, particularly in the second quarter when the Purple Eagles outscored the Peacocks 22-21.
Coming off the bench, Rutledge provided a crucial spark with 13 points on efficient 6-of-7 shooting from the field.
 
Caliana Fenceroy contributed 12 points, connecting on 4-of-6 from three-point range, while Katarina Veljovic added nine points and dominated the glass with a team-high 15 rebounds in 27 minutes of action.
 
Niagara's defensive pressure generated nine steals and forced 18 turnovers, converting those opportunities into 20 points. The Purple Eagles also showcased their transition game with 19 fast break points.
 
The Purple and White showed determination in the final period, matching Saint Peter's with 22 points in the fourth quarter.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara is now 33-50 all time against Saint Peter's
• 72 points is the most the Purple and White have recorded this season
• Dial has scored 20 points in back-to-back games
• Dial also recorded a career high in three pointers made with six
• Fenceroy's four three pointers set a career high for her
• Veljovic added career highs in points (9), rebounds (15) and blocks (2)
• The last time a Purple Eagle recorded 15 rebounds was on Jan. 28, 2023, as Aaliyah Parker recorded 18 against Mount St. Mary's
 
Up Next
Niagara is back in action on New Years Day as they travel to Fairfield, CT to take on Sacred Heart for a 2 p.m. start