POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Niagara women's basketball showed resilience in the fourth quarter but couldn't overcome a difficult second quarter in a 71-52 loss to Marist on Saturday afternoon at McCann Arena in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
 
Niagara battled through adversity, particularly in the final frame where they outscored Marist 23-16 behind a late surge.
 
Chasity Wilson led Niagara with an impressive 21-point performance, connecting on 8-of-16 shooting including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
 
Katarina Veljovic provided efficient scoring with eight points on perfect 3-of-3 shooting, while also contributing five rebounds and three steals. Talia Dial added seven points.
 
The Purple Eagles started strong, trading baskets with Marist in the opening quarter. Wilson's hot hand from three-point range helped Niagara briefly take a 9-8 lead midway through the first period. The teams remained deadlocked at 13-12 after the opening 10 minutes.
 
However, Marist seized control with a decisive 16-0 run spanning the second and third quarters, turning a 19-18 deficit into a commanding 35-19 advantage. The Purple Eagles struggled offensively during this stretch, managing just one field goal in the second quarter.
 
Niagara responded with determination in the fourth quarter, mounting a spirited 14-4 run that cut the deficit to 20 points. Wilson scored eight points during the final period's comeback attempt, including two three-pointers that energized the Purple Eagles' effort.
 
Jordyn Williams contributed four points and four rebounds off the bench, while Jade Campbell grabbed a team-high seven rebounds to go with two points.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara goes to 19-43 all-time after Saturday's contest
• Niagara is on a three-game skid against Marist including a three-game losing streak in Poughkeepsie
• Wilson recorded a career high in points with 21, it was the first the freshman has recorded 20 or more points
• Campbell tied a career best in steals with two
• It marked the first time this season the Purple and White have been leading after the first quarter
• The Purple Eagles out rebounded the Red Foxes 33-32
 
Up Next
Niagara wraps up the three game away stretch against cross town rival Canisius on Tuesday February 3 for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff