SANBORN, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by grit than grace, the Niagara Purple Eagles secured just their second victory of the season, holding off the Rider Broncs 56-52 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball contest Saturday at a sparsely populated Gallagher Center.

The win, witnessed by 428 fans, improved Niagara’s overall record to 2-26 and 1-16 in the MAAC, while Rider fell to 7-20 and 5-12. The outcome defied the statistical pregame projections, which heavily favored the visiting Broncs.

The game’s pivotal sequence arrived not with a singular shot, but with a decisive defensive stand in the final 30 seconds. Leading 54-52 after Rider’s Deb Okechukwu converted a layup with 39 seconds remaining, Niagara needed one final stop. The Purple Eagles forced a critical turnover from Rider’s Aliya McIver, which was collected by Tyasia Freeman with 12 seconds left. Freeman was immediately fouled and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the victory as Rider’s desperation three-point attempts in the waning seconds failed to connect.

This climactic finish capped a contest characterized by offensive struggles and defensive pressure. Both teams shot an identical 19 for 53 from the field, a 35.8% clip. The difference materialized at the free-throw line, where Niagara converted 19 of 24 attempts compared to Rider’s 9 of 11. The Purple Eagles also capitalized on Rider’s carelessness, scoring 19 points off 22 Broncs turnovers while committing only 15 of their own. Niagara’s 13 steals, led by Jade Rutledge’s three, fueled their transition game and disrupted Rider’s offensive flow throughout.

Niagara built its lead with a strong first half, taking a 35-25 advantage into the break after outscoring Rider 35-25 across the first two quarters. The Purple Eagles’ offense, however, went cold in the third quarter, managing only eight points. Rider clawed back into the game during that period, winning the quarter 15-8 to trim the deficit to 43-40 heading into the final frame.

The Broncs’ comeback was spearheaded by a double-double from senior guard Alena Cofield. The Langhorne, Pennsylvania, native played 39 minutes, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while adding a block and an assist. Her backcourt partner, Aliya McIver of White Plains, New York, dished out a game-high six assists. For Niagara, a balanced scoring attack and strong interior play proved decisive. Jordyn Williams, a freshman from Buffalo, New York, led all scorers with 13 points, including several key baskets down the stretch. Fellow Canadian freshman Kenedie Haruna of Montreal posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in just 18 minutes off the bench. Tyasia Freeman of Waynesboro, Georgia, also added 10 points.

The victory snaps a 16-game losing streak for Niagara, dating back to a December win over non-conference foe Fordham. For Rider, the loss halts a modest two-game conference winning streak that included an overtime victory at Canisius earlier in the week.

Both teams return to MAAC action on Thursday. Niagara will travel to face Quinnipiac, while Rider will host Siena.