NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.— Siena's Aniya Hooker scored the game-winning layup as time expired to give the Saints a 66-64 victory over Niagara in a back-and-forth MAAC contest Thursday night at Gallagher Center.
 
How it Happened
Safiatu Kolliegbo led the Purple Eagles (1-22, 0-15 MAAC) with 21 points, seven steals and three assists. Amelia Strong and Jordyn Williams also reached double figures with 10 and 13 points respectively, but Niagara's balanced attack wasn't enough to secure its first MAAC win of the season.
 
Niagara rallied from a 13-point second-quarter deficit to take a 46-45 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Purple Eagles outscored Siena 24-15 in the third quarter, with Kolliegbo scoring nine points during the surge.
 
The lead changed hands eight times throughout the game, with six ties. Niagara held a 7-point advantage with just over eight minutes remaining, but couldn't hold off Siena's late surge.
 
Teresa Seppala led Siena (15-10, 12-4) with 17 points, while Anajah Brown added 14 points and seven rebounds. Hooker finished with eight points, including the game-winner.
 
Niagara shot 41.7 percent from the field and dominated the turnover battle, forcing 23 Saints turnovers. The Purple Eagles converted those opportunities into 26 points.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara is now 39-53 all-time against Siena following Thursday's loss.
• The Purple Eagles shot over 40 percent from the field for the second time in three games.
• Niagara's 91.7 percent mark at the line is its second-best performance as a team this season.
• Williams' 13 is a season-best for the freshman.
• Kolliegbo recorded her 11th double-digit effort in MAAC play and 15th of the season.
• Strong recorded double figures for the sixth time this season.
 
Up Next
Niagara will host Marist on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. inside the Gallagher Center.