BUFFALO, N.Y. — Despite a strong performance from Talia Dial, who scored 14 points, Niagara dropped a tight Battle of the Bridge matchup to rival Canisius 48-46 on Tuesday night at Koessler Athletic Center.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (1-20, 0-13 MAAC) held leads throughout the contest and shot a higher percentage from the field then the Griffs, but ultimately fell short in the closing minutes. Jade Rutledge added 11 points for Niagara, and freshman Jordyn Williams contributed six points and six rebounds.
 
Niagara built an early 8-point advantage in the first quarter, their largest lead of the game, but Canisius (7-16, 6-7 MAAC) steadily fought back. The Golden Griffins used a 7-0 run late in the third quarter to take control.
 
The Purple Eagles stayed within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter, tying the game with 2:38 remaining and pulled within two points in the final minute. However, Canisius secured crucial defensive stops to preserve the victory.
 
Jaela Johnson led Canisius with 17 points, while Mary Copple added 12 points off the bench.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara drops to 44-63 all-time against the Golden Griffins.
• The Purple Eagles held a lead in the first quarter for the first time since Dec. 17 in its win over Bloomsburg.
• Tuesday marked the 20th loss of the season for Niagara, its ninth 20-loss season in program history and first since 2019-20.
• The two-point loss is NU's smallest margin of defeat this season.
• The Purple Eagles shot 40.4 percent from the floor, its fourth game this season with a shooting percentage over 40.0 percent and first since Dec. 5.  
• Rutledge's 11 points is a season-high for the junior.
• Dial recorded her eighth double-digit scoring performance of the season.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, Md., on Thursday at 7 p.m.