Niagara 65, Canisius 64: Tempo-Free Analysis

Niagara's Jamie Sherburne brings the ball up against Canisius. (Photo courtesy of Stockton Photo)

BY RAY FLORIANI

Albany, NY -­ Naturally, it is satisfying to win and advance in tournament play. For the Niagara women, it went one better. The Purple Eagles defeated rival Canisius, 65-­64, at the Times Union Center on Thursday. The victory improves Niagara to 8-­22 and sets up a quarterfinal meeting with top seed Quinnipiac on Friday, while Canisius ends a 13­-17 campaign.

Possessions: Canisius 59, Niagara 57

Offensive efficiency: Niagara 113, Canisius 109

The key factor: The eFG percentage. Niagara shot 58 percent, going 8-of-16 (50%) from downtown. On the defensive end, Jada Pierce’s club limited the Griffs to 43 percent eFG percentage. Niagara was guilty of a 25 percent turnover rate, which nearly cost them the game as Canisius had a 20­-9 edge in points off turnovers.

Leading scorers and EF:
­ Niagara:­ Tiffany Corselli 22 points, 26 EF (on her 21st birthday)

Canisius: ­ Maria Welch 20 points, EF 26

Notable: Crystal Porter of Canisius (13 points, 9 boards , 7 assists) had a game high 29 EF. Sam Lapszynski, with 11 points and 13 rebounds, led Niagara with an EF of 28.

Final thoughts:
“Last time we played them, (a 54-­45 Canisius win) we came out slowly in the third quarter. We felt the third could make or break us, so we were determined to come out strong.” - Niagara guard Tiffany Corselli

“We got out to a slow start, down 8-­2, but did not waver. This group has confidence. We learned a lot playing Canisius twice and took from that. I have felt good about our defense lately. Last week, we came here and held a good Siena team to 45 points. We are looking forward to the challenge of facing Quinnipiac.” -­ Niagara coach Jada Pierce