Struggling Niagara Seeks First Win Against Siena in Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Niagara Purple Eagles, still in pursuit of their first victory this season, face a familiar hurdle on Thursday when they visit the Siena Saints in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game at Times Union Center.

Niagara (0-19, 0-9 MAAC) enters on a 19-game skid, coming off a 70-65 home loss to Sacred Heart on Jan. 24 where they nearly erased a 20-point deficit. Siena (7-12, 4-5) looks to rebound after a narrow 75-72 road loss to Marist last Thursday.

The Saints dominated the first meeting this season, routing Niagara 107-69 on Dec. 19. Siena has won seven of the last 10 matchups in the series.

A key battle will feature two of the conference’s top scorers. Niagara’s Talia Dial has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 14.6 points per game in MAAC play. She is coming off a 22-point performance against Sacred Heart and has scored in double figures in eight consecutive contests.

She will be matched by Siena’s Francesca Schiro, who is averaging 17.8 points per game in conference action. Schiro poured in a career-high 26 points in 40 minutes during the loss to Marist and scored 23 points in a Jan. 3 win at Iona.

The Purple Eagles have shown recent signs of competitiveness, keeping their last two games within single digits after a string of lopsided defeats. Alongside Dial, Jade Rutledge (10 points, seven rebounds vs. Sacred Heart) provides an interior presence.

Siena, however, has proven formidable at home in MAAC play, posting a 3-1 record at Times Union Center with wins over Mount Saint Mary’s, Saint Peter’s and Iona. Their defense will aim to contain Dial and force Niagara into turnovers; the Purple Eagles average over 19 giveaways per game.

For Niagara, the search for that elusive first win continues in a venue where they have not won since 2017. For Siena, the game represents an opportunity to solidify its standing in the middle of the MAAC table and complete a season sweep.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.