Riverdale, NY (January 8, 2005)- Shaunna Ambrose scored a career-high 31 points and hit a three-pointer with 1:17 left in the game to give Niagara the lead for good, lifting the Purple Eagles to a come-from-behind victory over the Lady Jaspers today at Draddy Gymnasium, 59-54. Seniors Serra Sangar and Donnette Reed each scored 13 points to lead Manhattan.
After Manhattan (6-6, 2-1 MAAC) took a 28-18 halftime lead, holding Niagara (9-4, 4-0 MAAC) to 33.3% shooting in the half and forcing 12 Purple Eagle turnovers, the lead grew to 16 points in the second stanza on a three ball from freshman Gabrielle Cottrell, making the score 36-20 with 14:56 remaining. However, Niagara used its full-court press and the three-point shot to climb back into the game, ultimately tying the score at 46 on a long ball by Chantelle Wilson with 6:11 left in the game. Sangar then hit a trey of her own on the next possession for Manhattan, and Reed stole the ball and went coast to coast for a layup to give the Lady J's a 51-46 lead. Niagara would get even on two occasions, and Manhattan took a one-point lead on a free throw from sophomore Michelle Bernal-Silva. However, two possessions later, Ambrose's three gave Niagara the lead for good, and the Purple Eagles would seal the victory with three free throws in the closing seconds.
Along with her 13 points, Reed finished with five assists and six steals, while Bernal-Silva pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.
Ambrose finished the game having shot 15-17 from the foul line. As a team, Niagara made 19 of their 23 free throw attempts, while Manhattan shot 1-3 from the charity stripe.
The Lady Jaspers will return to the court on Monday, January 10, as MAAC play continues when Canisius will pay a visit to Draddy Gym. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.