FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Sacred Heart women’s basketball team cruised to an 84-53 victory over Niagara on Thursday at the William Pitt Center. The Pioneers improved to 5-8 overall, while the Purple Eagles remained winless at 0-12. Sacred Heart seized control with a 23-point second quarter, building a 40-31 halftime lead. The Pioneers then put the game out of reach by outscoring Niagara 24-13 in the third period. Sacred Heart’s defense held Niagara to just nine points in the final quarter. The game was a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference contest attended by 511 fans. Sacred Heart was projected as a heavy favorite to win. The Pioneers next host Canisius on Saturday. Niagara visits Fairfield that same day.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Sacred Heart women’s basketball team will look to capitalize on a home-court advantage against a struggling opponent when it hosts winless Niagara in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matchup on New Year’s Day at the William Pitt Center. The Pioneers (4-8) enter Thursday’s contest seeking consistency after a narrow 57-55 road loss to Marist on Monday. Sacred Heart has shown flashes, including a recent overtime win at Iona and a home victory over Rider. Niagara (0-11), the visiting Purple Eagles, are still in search of their first win of the season. They have lost their last four games by an average of 28.5 points, with their most competitive recent outing being a 72-81 loss to Saint Peter’s on Dec. 21. A key matchup will feature the frontcourt play of Sacred Heart’s Emma Kirby and Niagara’s Katarina Veljovic. Kirby is coming off a dominant 16-point, 14-rebound double-double against Marist, showcasing her ability to control the paint. Over her last five games, she has averaged 10.6 points and 8.8 rebounds. For Niagara, Veljovic provides a bright spot, particularly on the boards. She grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds to go with nine points in the loss to Saint Peter’s. Her ability to rebound will be critical for the Purple Eagles against Kirby and the Pioneers. In their last outing, Niagara’s Talia Dial scored 20 points and Jade Rutledge added 13, offering secondary scoring options the team will need to rely on. Sacred Heart’s Amelia Wood, who had 14 points and six rebounds against Marist, provides additional support alongside Kirby. This game opens the MAAC schedule for both teams. For Sacred Heart, it represents an opportunity to start conference play with momentum at home. For Niagara, it is a chance to reset and pursue an elusive first victory against a league foe. The Pioneers won both meetings last season. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Fairfield.