NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Niagara women's basketball secured a hard-fought 61-56 road victory over Iona at the Hynes Center on Thursday night, for its first MAAC win of the season.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles, who had struggled to find wins this season, built an early lead and showed resilience down the stretch. Safiatu Kolliegbo led Niagara with 14 points and added five assists and four steals, while Amelia Strong contributed 11 points and seven rebounds.
 
Niagara jumped out to a strong start, leading 17-14 after the first quarter and extending that advantage to 40-30 by halftime. The Purple Eagles converted 50.0 percent of their three-point attempts (5-of-10) and capitalized at the free throw line, making 18-of-24.
 
Despite being outshot from the field, Niagara forced 24 Iona turnovers, converting them into 30 points. The Purple Eagles also dominated in second-chance points (13-5) and fast-break scoring (6-0).
 
Iona (10-18, 8-10) battled back in the second half, outscoring Niagara 15-7 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 47-45. Judith Gomez led the Gaels with 14 points, while Zoey Ward added 10 points and six rebounds.
 
The game featured six lead changes, with Iona briefly taking a 52-50 lead midway through the fourth quarter on Mya Zaccagnini's three-pointer. Niagara responded with six unanswered points and sealed the victory at the free throw line.
 
Marlie Dickerson added 12 points off the bench for Niagara, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
 
Niagara held the lead for over 32 minutes of game time and maintained its poise despite Iona's second-half surge.
 
Niagara Notes
• Thursday marked the 70th meeting all-time between Niagara and Iona, with the Purple Eagles improving to 36-34.
• Thursday was the third-straight win over Iona for the Purple and White.
• Niagara recorded five made 3-pointers for the first time since Feb. 6 against Merrimack. It was the third time this season NU finished 50.0 percent from three.
• The Purple Eagles recorded double-digit steals for the 19th time this season.
• The win is Niagara's first over a Division I opponent since March 22, 2025 vs. Le Moyne in the first round of the WNIT.
• Kolliegbo recorded her 19th game with double figure points and 14th in league play.
• Dickerson recorded 12 points in her first game since Jan. 30.
 
Up Next
Niagara will take on Manhattan on Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m. in Riverdale, N.Y. inside Draddy Gymnasium.