Struggling Niagara Seeks First Win Against Iona on Valentine’s Day NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Niagara Purple Eagles, still in search of their first victory this season, face a steep challenge on the road Saturday against the Iona Gaels in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup. The game tips off at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Hynes Center. Niagara (0-24, 0-15 MAAC) is riding a 24-game losing streak dating to last season. The Purple Eagles are coming off a 60-42 loss at Manhattan on Thursday, their 15th conference defeat by double digits. Iona (15-10, 10-5), meanwhile, sits in the upper half of the MAAC standings following a 52-45 home win over Canisius on Thursday. The Gaels dominated the first meeting this season, a 77-49 victory at Niagara on Jan. 8. A player to watch for the Purple Eagles is guard Jordyn Williams, who is coming off a 19-minute performance against Manhattan where she contributed 3 points, 2 assists and 2 blocks. She scored a season-high 11 points in a loss at Canisius on Feb. 3. Niagara will need a significant offensive boost after being held under 50 points in three of its last four games. Iona counters with forward Isabellah Middleton, a consistent scoring and rebounding threat. Middleton logged 36 minutes and scored 15 points in the win over Canisius. She is averaging 15.4 points over her last five games, including a 26-point, 5-rebound effort in a loss to Saint Peter’s on Jan. 19. For Niagara, the focus will be on breaking a cycle of slow starts and offensive droughts. The Purple Eagles have not scored more than 65 points in a game this season. Iona, which boasts one of the MAAC’s top defenses, will look to control the paint and capitalize on transition opportunities. Following this game, Niagara hosts Mount Saint Mary’s on Feb. 19. Iona travels to face Siena on the same date.