Sunday afternoon at the Gallagher Center brought a showcase of grit and long-range shooting. Niagara University’s women’s basketball team pushed Saint Peter’s to the limit before falling 81–72.
The Purple Eagles came up short on the scoreboard. But their performance—led by sharpshooter Talia Dial—offered a compelling look at a team that just wouldn’t back down, even as the Peacocks controlled the closing minutes.
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Niagara Battles, but Saint Peter’s Closes Strong
From the opening tip, this matchup had the feel of a conference grind. There were momentum swings, hot shooting stretches, and key bench contributions on both sides.
Niagara never really seized control. Still, they made Saint Peter’s work for every possession and didn’t let the Peacocks’ lead balloon out of reach.
The final margin doesn’t quite tell the story. For long stretches, this game felt much tighter.
Niagara answered Saint Peter’s scoring runs with timely threes and aggressive drives. The crowd stayed engaged, and the result stayed in doubt until late in the fourth quarter.
Talia Dial Lights It Up from Deep
Talia Dial was the engine that powered Niagara’s offense. The guard delivered a game-high 20 points and turned the perimeter into her personal shooting gallery.
Dial knocked down 6 of 13 from beyond the arc. That kind of volume and efficiency forced Saint Peter’s to constantly adjust its coverage.
Her outside shot was especially deadly in the second quarter. Niagara narrowly edged Saint Peter’s 22–21 during that stretch, and Dial’s threes acted as instant momentum shifters.
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Each make from deep pulled Niagara back within striking distance. Saint Peter’s just couldn’t pull away before halftime.
Bench Spark: Rutledge and Fenceroy Step Up
Niagara’s resilience wasn’t just about the starters. Off the bench, Jade Rutledge brought exactly the kind of punch every coach hopes for from their reserves.
Rutledge piled up 13 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-7 shooting. She attacked gaps in the defense and finished plays with real confidence.
Caliana Fenceroy added another scoring layer, contributing 12 points. She helped Niagara keep its offensive rhythm when the starters rested.
Rutledge and Fenceroy together gave the Purple Eagles a balanced attack. Saint Peter’s couldn’t focus only on Dial.
Where the Game Turned for Saint Peter’s
Despite Niagara’s effort, Saint Peter’s made the plays that mattered in the final stretch. The Peacocks found just enough defensive stops and timely buckets to keep the Purple Eagles at arm’s length.
Late-game possessions—when every rebound, close-out, and shot selection suddenly means more—favored Saint Peter’s.
Why This Matchup Matters Beyond the Box Score
On paper, it’s a nine-point loss. On the floor, it was a window into a program building its identity through toughness and depth.
For Saint Peter’s, it’s a reminder that conference foes won’t roll over, even on the road. For Niagara, it’s proof that their best can put pressure on any opponent.
For fans, these mid-season battles set the tone for the rest of the year. They show who can carry an offense, who embraces the sixth-player role, and how a team responds when the game hangs in the balance.
From the Court to Jersey City
Saint Peter’s win resonates well beyond the Gallagher Center. Back home in Jersey City, the Peacocks’ campus is woven into the city’s daily rhythm.
If you’re a visiting fan planning to follow the team, there’s no shortage of things to do in Jersey City before or after a game. Maybe you’ll explore the waterfront, check out local restaurants, or just take in those skyline views—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
Basketball trips can easily turn into mini-getaways. Fans eyeing a weekend built around a Saint Peter’s game can look into Jersey City hotels near Journal Square or the waterfront.
That way, you’ve got easy access to both campus and Manhattan. New visitors often ask where to stay in Jersey City, and honestly, it depends—do you want the lively downtown vibe or a quieter, residential city district with some neighborhood charm?
Travel’s pretty straightforward too. Getting to Jersey City is simple via PATH trains, regional rail, and nearby airports.
It’s an accessible hub for college hoops followers. And if you’re up for it, you can blend your love of basketball with a deeper dive into what Jersey City has to offer, on and off the court.
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Here is the source article for this story: Purple Eagles Battle Hard Against Saint Peter’s
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