BUFFALO — Jaclyn Konieczka has made just two 3-pointers in her senior season, and none in her first three years at Niagara. She’s also never hit a game-winning shot, at any level, from any spot on the floor.
Before Friday night, that is.
When the final play broke down and Konieczka found herself open at the top of the key, she squared up and let it fly, rattling in a 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds left that gave Niagara a 49-46 win over rival Canisius.
“I know I can make those,” she said. “We practice those every day.”
Coach Kendra Faustin said the play she drew up during a timeout with 13.7 seconds left called for the Purple Eagles to get something going toward the basket, but when the ball was swung to the 6-foot-1 post player, she had no issue with Konieczka putting up the shot.
“When they’re confident, I’m confident,” Faustin said.
Niagara (12-14, 9-6) dug out of an early 14-point hole to win for the ninth time in 11 games, and claim sole possession of third place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings.
“We led for the wrong 39 minutes and 57 seconds,” said Canisius coach Terry Zeh. “We needed to lead for the three seconds they led.”
Canisius (10-16, 5-10) was up 44-35 with nine minutes to go, but the Purple Eagles closed the game on a 14-2 run.
Rachele Folino scored all of her seven points during the finishing kick. She started the run with a layup, and then scored five points in a span of 1:14, forcing the game’s only two ties.
With the score knotted at 46 with 1:18 left to play, Niagara didn’t allow Canisius to get a good look at the basket for 25 seconds. After a timeout, Micayla Drysdale threw up on an off-balance 3-pointer that missed badly and Folino grabbed the rebounds.
The Golden Griffins got another chance when Brittane Russell, the school’s all-time steals leader, took the ball away from Folino. Russell missed a layup with 33 seconds left, and Konieczka grabbed the rebound.
“The seniors stepped up huge, hitting big shots and getting big rebounds down the stretch,” Faustin said.
The Purple Eagles shot 29 percent from the field and turned the ball over 12 times in the first half, but kept their composure to shoot 46 percent and commit only seven turnovers in the second half.
Konieczka and Kayla Stroman led Niagara with nine points each, and Ali Morris had eight. Leading scorer Liz Flooks had only six points, less than half her average.
With three regular season games remaining, including the final two at the Gallagher Center, Niagara is picking up steam for a run at next month’s MAAC tournament.
“I think we are a really good team, and we’re just coming out and trying to prove it to every one,” Konieczka said.
“We’re hoping to earn respect in this league,” Folino said. “Whether they give it to us or not.”
Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2258.
Niagara U.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Konieczka's shot lifts Niagara over Canisius
- Niagara U.
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Niagara shuts out Canisius
Paul Zanette had a goal and assist while goaltender Chris Noonan made 29 saves to propel the Niagara University men’s hockey team to a critical 3-0 victory over Canisius at the Buffalo State College Sports Complex.
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Situation getting worse for Niagara basketball team
Niagara sank into last place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 51-49 loss at Manhattan, which came into the game on a 15-game losing streak Monday. And that was hardly the most ominous news to come out of the lost weekend, which also included Saturday’s setback at Saint Peter’s.
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Niagara falls hard in big game
With Calvin Murphy being honored at halftime and ESPNU showing the game nationwide, the Purple Eagles missed more than twice as many shots as they made and lost 82-65 to visiting Metro Atlantic Athletic foe Rider before a crowd of 1,275.
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A legend holds court at NU
Calvin Murphy adds to his legend in return
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Calvin Murphy excited to come back to Niagara
Murphy is passionate about showing his loyalty to Niagara because the university has done the same for him over the years.
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Niagara loses by 45 at Drexel
The Niagara men’s basketball team suffered through its most lopsided loss in over a decade on its worst offensive night in almost a century.
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As second semester approaches, Purple Eagles have rebounded after down year
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Purple Eagles encouraged to follow the leader
Having lost seven of eight games for just the second time in his 12 years at Niagara, coach Joe Mihalich is concerned that his roster of mostly freshmen and sophomores is not responding to the leadership being provided by his lone senior.
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Dobrich pursues his passion coaching the Purple Eagles
Luke Dobrich, 32, is in his eighth season as a men’s basketball assistant coach at Niagara, and his first as the senior member of head coach Joe Mihalich’s staff.
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Nelson’s basket lifts NU past Bowling Green
Anthony Nelson’s basket with just a second left on the shot clock proved the game’s winning play as the Purple Eagles evened their record at 2-2 with a 65-61 victory over Bowling Green on Friday.
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