Struggling MAAC Rivals Seek First Conference Win as Canisius Visits Niagara

SANBORN, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two teams searching for a breakthrough will meet Wednesday when the Canisius Golden Griffins visit the Niagara Purple Eagles in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game.

The matchup at Gallagher Center pits programs with a combined 2-28 record this season. Canisius (2-13, 0-4 MAAC) enters on a five-game losing streak, while Niagara (0-15, 0-4) is still seeking its first victory of the campaign.

Both sides are coming off double-digit conference losses on Saturday. Canisius fell 60-51 to Iona despite 14 points and eight rebounds from forward Shariah Gailes. Niagara was defeated 74-53 by Manhattan, led by 13 points from guard Talia Dial.

Gailes has been a consistent bright spot for the Golden Griffins, averaging 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds over her last four games. She scored 17 points in a loss to Manhattan on Jan. 8.

For the Purple Eagles, Dial has shouldered the scoring load, averaging 15.8 points over her last six contests. She posted 20-point performances in losses to Saint Peter’s and Siena in late December.

The game represents one of the more winnable opportunities on the schedule for each team during a difficult season. Canisius’s two wins came against non-conference foes Wright State and Mercyhurst in November and December. Niagara’s narrowest margin of defeat was a nine-point loss to Saint Peter’s on Dec. 21.

Following this contest, Canisius will travel to face Mount Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Niagara will host the same Mount Saint Mary’s team next Monday.

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