RIVERDALE, N.Y. — The Niagara women's basketball team, despite a fast start, struggled to maintain its shooting touch Saturday afternoon, falling to Manhattan 75-52 inside Draddy Gymnasium.
 
How it Happened
Junior guard Talia Dial led the Purple Eagles (2-24, 1-17 MAAC) with 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Manhattan team that pulled away in the second half.
 
Safiatu Kolliegbo added seven points and Marlie Dickerson contributed eight points and four assists for Niagara, which shot just 30.6 percent from the field and committed 29 turnovers.
 
The game was tied 12-12 after a back-and-forth first quarter, and Niagara trailed by just three at halftime, 32-29. However, Manhattan (14-13, 8-10 MAAC) dominated the third quarter 25-16 to build a comfortable lead.
 
The Purple Eagles struggled to contain Manhattan's balanced attack, as the Jaspers had four players score in double figures. Nitzan Amar led Manhattan with 16 points, while Petra Juric and Ines Gimenez Monserrat each added 14 points.
 
Manhattan outscored Niagara 40-20 in the paint and converted 33 points off Niagara turnovers.
 
Jordyn Williams provided a spark off the bench for Niagara with seven points, all from the free-throw line, where she went 7-for-12.
 
Niagara Notes
• With Saturday's loss Niagara moves to 1-4 in the last five against Manhattan and 38-35 all-time against the Jaspers.
• Williams' 12 attempts at the line is the most by a Purple Eagle this season.
• Niagara recorded 15 steals in the loss, the 19th time this season the Purple and White recorded double-digit steals.
• The Purple Eagles forced 31 Manhattan turnovers, the fifth time this season they forced 30 or more turnovers by their opponent.
 
Up Next
• Niagara will return to the Gallagher Center for the final two home games of the 2024-25 season. The Purple Eagles will take on Saint Peter's on Thursday night at 6 p.m.