Struggling Teams Seek Elusive Win in MAAC Matchup

SANBORN, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two teams in search of a positive turning point will meet Saturday when the Manhattan Lady Jaspers visit the Niagara Purple Eagles in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game.

The matchup at Gallagher Center pits a pair of programs with a combined 2-26 record this season. Niagara (0-14) is one of the few teams in the nation still seeking its first victory, while Manhattan (2-12) arrives with a small measure of momentum after snapping a three-game skid.

The Lady Jaspers are coming off their most complete performance of the season, a 69-43 road win at Canisius on Thursday. Kristina Juric led the way with 16 points in that victory, continuing her strong recent play. Over her last five games, the forward is averaging 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds, including an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in a win at Saint Peter’s on Jan. 1.

Niagara, conversely, is reeling from a 77-49 home loss to Iona on Thursday, its 14th consecutive defeat to open the season. The Purple Eagles have lost those games by an average margin of 33.6 points. A bright spot in the loss was freshman Jade Rutledge, who contributed seven points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks off the bench. She posted a season-high 13 points in a narrow loss to Saint Peter’s on Dec. 21.

Manhattan’s offense, which averages just 52.9 points per game, will look to exploit a Niagara defense that has allowed opponents to score 84.6 points per contest, ranking near the bottom nationally. The Lady Jaspers will also rely on contributors like Elisa Solé Sanchez (12 points, five assists vs. Canisius) and Brianna Davis (14 points).

For the Purple Eagles, containing Juric and finding consistent scoring beyond Talia Dial (14 points vs. Iona) will be critical. The game represents one of the more winnable opportunities on Niagara’s schedule, while Manhattan aims to build its first winning streak of the season.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon. The teams will meet again in Riverdale, New York, on Feb. 12.