Game Analysis: Niagara led 24-20 at the half before Liz Flooks and the Purple Eagles caught fire in the second by shooting 16 of 29 from the field in a 66-54 victory over Manhattan in the quarterfinals of the MAAC Tournament on Friday.
How Niagara Won: Niagara put on an offensive basketball clinic with its efficiency in the second half. The Purple Eagles scored 26 baskets and recorded 19 assists, led by point guard Kayla Stroman with six and no turnovers in 40 minutes. The Purple Eagles ball movement and easy layups is a sign of a well coached team.
Turning Point: The start of the second half. Niagara led by four to start the half and by the 12:37 mark it was up by 13.
Player of the game: Guard Liz Flooks carried her recent shooting slump into the first half but packed it away in the second and finished with 17 points, including 5 of 10 from three.
Unsung player of the game: Jaclyn Konieczka was solid across the board (10 points, 11 rebounds and six assists). Not bad for a post player.
Stat of the Game: Niagara had 19 assists and scored 26 baskets. In Canisius’ quarterfinal matchup against Marist, both teams combined for 11 assists.
She Said It: “Coach always says I play better without a conscience instead of with one.” – Liz Flooks.
Next Up: Niagara advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2005 where it faces No. 1 seed Marist (24-7) Saturday morning at 11:30. Back on Jan. 31 Niagara beat the Red Foxes at home by 10.
---Rodney McKissic
(www.twitter.com/rodneyjmckissic)
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Big 4 | College basketball | Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference | National | Niagara
