Niagara Defeats Women's Basketball in Overtime

Box Score

LEWISTON, N.Y. ? A jumper by Cathy Rutter with 1:05 remaining in overtime proved to be the difference as the Canisius College women's basketball team lost 65-63 to Niagara at the Gallagher Center on Saturday afternoon. Canisius and Niagara will meet again in the first round of the MAAC Tournament on Thursday, with game time set for 2 p.m.

Canisius (12-17, 7-11 MAAC) had four players reach double figures led by 14 points each from sophomore Brittan? Russell and junior Amanda Cavo. Russell also pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season and fourth of her career. Senior Laura Buetow had 10 points and nine rebounds while freshman Micayla Drysdale scored 10 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists and zero turnovers.

Canisius trailed 55-48 with 4:46 remaining after Michelle Manfredi split two free throws. The Griffs then went on a 10-1 run to take the lead on two free throws by Drysdale with 1:24 left. A layup by Sarah Wilson tied the game with just under a minute remaining. The teams each had a chance at the end of regulation to win the game but neither converted.

In overtime, Niagara (8-21, 6-12 MAAC) scored the first five points ? getting a baseline jumper from Wilson and a 3-pointer by Cathy Rutter to make it 63-58 with 2:48. Canisius responded with a five-point run of its own, getting a 3-poitner by Cavo and layup from Buetow.

After the teams traded missed shots, Rutter scored the game-winning jumper off an assist from Manfredi with 65 seconds left to make it 65-63. After a Canisius turnover, the Griffs got the ball back with 23 seconds remaining after a travel by Erika Harris. The Griffs got three shots off in the final six seconds but couldn't convert.

“Our team competed for the entire game today, keeping that mental edge throughout 45 minutes,” Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “Unfortunately, we didn't make enough open shots and Niagara was able to take advantage of the free looks they generated.”

Wilson led all players with 15 points while Manfredi, Liz Flooks and Jennifer McNamee each had 11 points. Manfredi pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.

Canisius and Niagara will meet again on Thursday, in the first round of the MAAC Tournament. The game at the Times Union Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Game Notes: The Griffs extended their NCAA Division I record for consecutive games with a made 3-pointer to 419 games on a make by Drysdale early in the first half... Canisius forced 22 turnovers, the fifth time the Griffs have forced 20 or more turnovers this season... Russell has 17 steals in the last four games and now has 92 for the season, which ranks fourth in the Canisius record books... Drysdale converted both free throws and has made her last 18 free throws... Russell played at least 40 minutes in a game for the 11th time this season, which ties the program record... Cavo had a career-high three blocks... Drysdale now has 19 assists and nine turnovers in the last six games.

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Players Mentioned

#53 Laura Buetow: C; 6' 3"; Redshirt

#12 Amanda Cavo: G; 5' 9"; Junior

#23 Micayla Drysdale: G; 5' 9"; Freshman

#1 Brittan? Russell: G; 5' 5"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#53 Laura Buetow
: 6' 3"; Redshirt
: C

#12 Amanda Cavo
: 5' 9"; Junior
: G

#23 Micayla Drysdale
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: G

#1 Brittan? Russell
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: G