Niagara Gazette — Cooper received a ball from Nick Garcia and dribbled into the Saint’s defensive end before chipping the ball from 30-yards out over the outstretched hands of Siena goalkeeper Damian Liesmann. It was the rookie’s second game-winning goal of the season, and he wrapped up the game with a season-high three point night (1-1-3).

After a scoreless 77 minutes, two goals were tallied in a 28-second span late in the second stanza. Niagara was the first to get on the board, breaking the deadlock and taking the 1-0 lead ona goal by Roberto Andersson.

The one-goal advantage lasted barely a minute as the Saints came right back and tallied the equalizer.

Niagara will play the winner of the tournament’s second semifinal between fourth-seeded Iona and top-seeded Loyola.

MENS HOCKEY

The Purple Eagles start a three-game road trip with a weekend series against Atlantic Hockey opponent Army on Friday and Saturday. Niagara then takes on cross-town rival the Canisius Golden Griffins on Nov. 16 before kick starting a four-game home stand with Robert Morris the following day. 

Last time out, the Purple Eagles (4-2-3) swept UConn to improve their conference mark to 3-0-0. Niagara shutout the Huskies both contests, dropping UConn 3-0 last Friday before a convincing 5-0 victory the following day.

Five NU players had a multiple point weekend, with Giancarlo Iuorio leading the charge (5-1-6). Marc Zanette (0-4-4), Ryan Murphy (1-4-5), Jeff Hannan (0-2-2) and Matt Chartrain (1-1-2) also added to the Niagara offense.

Carsen Chubak made 60 stops en route to his second and third shutouts of the season and his career.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

NCCC 69, Cayuga CC 51

The Thunderwolves went on a 25-point run early in the second half, turning a five-point deficit into a big lead on their way to their first victory of the season.

Jessica Curry (Wilson) led the way with 29 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, four assists and five 3s. Mikayla Drake (Lew-Port) had 13 points and three steals, Courtney Murray (Wilson) had 10 points and 12 rebounds, Nthanda Longwe had nine points and nine rebounds and Kristine Ripson (Lew-Port) had eight points and six rebounds.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

NCCC 109, Cayuga CC 78

NCCC (3-1) built up a 52-19 in the first half and cruised to its third win in a row.

“We were just playing tremendous team ball, making extra passes and knocking down field goals all over the court,” coach Bill Beilein said. “Our defense was tremendous in that half and that set the tone for the rest of the game.”

There were no stats kept during the game.

Both NCCC teams play at Cuyahoga (Ohio) CC tonight.