Riverdale, N.Y. – Niagara's women's basketball team battled through four quarters Wednesday, led by Talia Dial's 10 points and a strong defensive effort that forced 25 Manhattan turnovers in a 60-42 loss at Draddy Gymnasium in Riverdale, N.Y.
 
The Purple Eagles built momentum early, opening the game with an 8-2 run that gave them a brief 8-7 lead midway through the first quarter. Tyasia Freeman and Katarina Veljovic sparked the early offense, combining for six points during the stretch.
 
Niagara held Manhattan to just 16 points through the first half, trailing 16-22 at the break. The Purple Eagles' aggressive defense generated 17 steals, including three each from Chasity Wilson, Freeman and Veljovic.
 
Freeman finished with eight points and four rebounds, while Veljovic added six points and five boards. Kenedie Haruna contributed seven points and six rebounds off the bench, providing an offensive spark. Dial connected on two three-pointers and distributed four assists in 36 minutes.
 
Jade Campbell grabbed six boards, and the team's seven blocks showcased their interior presence.
 
Despite Manhattan's 27-point third quarter that extended their lead, Niagara continued to compete. The Purple Eagles forced turnovers late in the fourth quarter, with Wilson recording back-to-back steals. Veljovic capped the effort with a fast break.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara goes to 38-37 all-time following Thursday's loss to Manhattan
• Jisca Bila tied a career high in assists with two and recorded her first two career blocks
• Dial recorded a career best in assists with four
• Freeman tied a career high in steals with three
• Jordyn Williams also tied a career high in blocks with three
• The Purple and White tied a game high in blocks with seven, the last time the Purple Eagles recorded seven blocks in a game was on Nov. 16, 2025, against Kent St.
• Dial has scored all of Niagara's three pointers in a game in four contests this year
 
Up Next
Niagara is back in action on Saturday February 14 as they head to New Rochelle, N.Y. to take on Iona for a 1 p.m. start time