NIAGARA UNIV. — The Niagara women’s basketball team fell to crosstown rival Canisius, 65-57, on Wednesday night.
Canisius held the Purple Eagles to just 20 points in the first two quarters, and forced them to shoot just 31.4 percent for the game, as the Griffs improved to 5-13 overall and 4-5 in MAAC play. Niagara dropped to 5-13 overall and 2-7 in conference action.
The Canisius defense was locked in early, holding Niagara to just 5-of-29 through the first two quarters, and held one of the league leaders in points, Victoria Rampado, to just two free throw makes, and no buckets (0-for-7) in the first 20 minutes.
Canisius on the other hand took a nine-point advantage into the break, hitting 46 percent of its shots from the floor (12-of-26).
Sara Hinriksdottir once again paced the Canisius offense, scoring 22 points (9-of-17 from the field), while recording numbers in all categories, chipping in six rebounds and two assists to complete her stacked stat-line.
Also having strong games were Margret Halfdanardottir (15 points), Saliah Serrette (11 points), and Maria Welch (10 points).
Posting a strong game running the offense was Tamara Miskovic who finishd the game with eight rebounds and and three assists for the Blue and Gold.
Rampado, who rebounded from a quiet first half to score 18 of her 20 points in the final two quarters, led Niagara on offense. Kaylee Stroemple also hit double-figures, securing 13 points and six rebounds, while Jamie Sherburne had 10 points in the losing effort.
As a team the Griffs outrebounded Niagara, 37-34, but did turn the ball over 13 times to the Purple Eagles’ nine.
Offensively the Blue and Gold was strong pushing the ball around, notching 18 assists on 22 buckets.
Canisius concludes the week, hosting a Sunday matinee at the Koessler Athletic Center, as the squad takes on the Fairfield Stags. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
The Purple Eagles host Fairfield on Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:00 p.m. for their Pediatric Cancer Awareness game. The Purple Eagles will wear gold laces in their shoes to show support for all those affected by pediatric cancer. Fans who make a donation to the Go4TheGoal Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of children with cancer, will receive free admission to the game.
from PurpleEagles.com via IFTTT
