Struggling Teams Seek Elusive Win in MAAC Matchup NEW YORK (Interstat) — Two teams mired in lengthy losing streaks will meet Thursday when the Niagara Purple Eagles visit the Manhattan Lady Jaspers in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game at Draddy Gymnasium. Niagara (0-23) remains one of the few winless teams in Division I, carrying a 23-game skid into the contest. Manhattan (5-18) has lost seven of its last eight games. The Lady Jaspers won the season’s first meeting, 74-53, at Niagara on Jan. 10. The Purple Eagles are coming off a 89-45 home loss to Quinnipiac on Saturday. Guard Talia Dial leads Niagara, averaging 13.4 points over her last seven games. She scored 16 points in the loss to Quinnipiac. Manhattan fell 91-72 at Siena on Sunday despite a double-double from forward Colette Mulderig, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mulderig has been a consistent performer, averaging 13.4 points and 5.6 rebounds over her last seven contests. Both teams have struggled offensively this season. Niagara has failed to reach 60 points in 16 of its 23 games, while Manhattan has been held under 60 points in 13 of its 23 outings. For Niagara, the search for any positive momentum continues. Beyond Dial, Jade Campbell (8 points, 7 rebounds vs. Quinnipiac) and Kenedie Haruna (11 points, 6 rebounds) have shown flashes. Manhattan will look to control the interior behind Mulderig and Tatianna Collins, who recorded a triple-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in a Jan. 14 win over Mount Saint Mary’s. The game represents one of the more winnable opportunities left on the schedule for both squads as the regular season winds down. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.