EMMITSBURG, Md. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by struggle than style, the Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers methodically dispatched the winless Niagara Purple Eagles 62-49 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday afternoon at Knott Arena.

The most important part of the contest was not a singular, dramatic run, but rather a sustained defensive effort by the Mountaineers that capitalized on Niagara’s profound offensive woes. From the opening tip, the game was marred by turnovers and missed opportunities, with Mount Saint Mary’s applying consistent pressure to exacerbate Niagara’s season-long difficulties.

The Purple Eagles, now 0-17, never found an offensive rhythm. They shot a frigid 34 percent from the floor and a catastrophic 48.1 percent from the free-throw line, missing 14 of their 27 attempts. Their 27 turnovers led directly to 25 points for the Mountaineers. While the Mountaineers were hardly efficient, committing 25 turnovers of their own, they generated enough offense through defensive plays and second chances, out-rebounding Niagara 14-7 on the offensive glass.

The game remained close through the first quarter, which ended tied at 13. Mount Saint Mary’s began to create separation in the second period, outscoring Niagara 16-11 to take a 29-24 lead into halftime. The Mountaineers’ lead hovered around that margin for much of the second half, as Niagara could not string together enough successful possessions to mount a serious threat. The Purple Eagles pulled within five points early in the third quarter, but Mount Saint Mary’s responded with key baskets to maintain control, eventually pulling away in the final period with a 19-10 scoring advantage.

Alana Powell led the Mountaineers with 13 points and five rebounds, while Giana Hoddinott added 14 points. Their backcourt combined for five of the team’s 17 steals, fueling the disruptive defensive identity. Kayla Lindsey provided a strong all-around effort with eight points, six rebounds, and a game-high four steals.

For Niagara, Talia Dial scored 11 points, all in the first half, and Kenedie Haruna added nine points and five rebounds off the bench. But the Purple Eagles’ offensive rating of 61.4 points per 100 possessions underscored a afternoon of systemic failure to convert chances, continuing a brutal season trend where they have failed to reach 60 points in any game.

Mount Saint Mary’s improved to 9-9 overall and 3-2 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play, finding a way to win despite shooting just 38.6 percent from the field and 58.3 percent from the line. The Mountaineers’ ability to generate 17 assists on 22 made field goals showed a level of offensive cohesion that Niagara could not match.

The announced attendance was 638 at Knott Arena. The result was in line with pregame analytics, as Interstat’s ELO system gave Mount Saint Mary’s a 96 percent probability to win.

Niagara will continue its search for its first victory when it hosts Fairfield on Thursday. Mount Saint Mary’s travels to face Quinnipiac, also on Thursday.