The Lady Badgers had three players in double figures, led by senior Alyssa Cretton with a game-high 16 points. Sophomores Josie Rock — with 15 points from beyond the arc — and Morgan Borchardt, with 12 points, joined Cretton in double figures.

The Lady Cavaliers got out to a 12-7 lead in the first 5:30 of the game. Addison Pristelski drained three of her team-leading five 3s early on.

Niagara took the lead at the 10:40 mark of the first half, at 14-12. Utilizing their swarming full-court press, the Badgers went on a 19-0 scoring run to extend their lead to 26-12 with 6:01 remaining.

“We started the game with very little emotion and no energy,” said Niagara head coach Karl Lamoreaux. “Saturday games seem to bring that out, the girls are out of their routine with not having school all day first and being active beforehand.”

(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Niagara's Alyssa Cretton (11) looks towards the basket as she's attempts a layup while avoiding three defenders, in the first half Saturday evening versus St. Thomas Aquinas in M&O Conference action at Niagara. Niagara's Haley Allred (22) looks on. Cretton led the Lady Badgers with a game high 16 points.

Lamoreaux noted that their press wasn’t very effective at first. “Once they got themselves motivated and were playing hard, things went much better,” he said.

The Cavaliers have just seven players on their roster, with only one senior. “They’re well coached and have good fundamentals. But they’re low on numbers and are young,” Lamoreaux said.

Lamoreaux also noted he was happy with the way Borchardt played, as well as Abby Wells.

Despite the outcome, Cavaliers head coach Cindy Powers, who is the sister of STAA boys head coach Ric Powers, was pleased with the effort.

“We had a quick start, but my girls get tired. We only have seven girls, so that’s going to happen, of course,” Powers said. “Our shooting wasn’t very good tonight, though.”

Livia Benson is the lone senior. “I count on her for a lot, she gets a lot of our rebounds. It’s her fourth year on the varsity, and she takes charge,” Powers said.

Powers added that she enjoys this year’s team, as they all get along with one another and are nice.

“Nice girls play tennis,” Powers joked. “I’d rather have a group like this that all get along, than a group that doesn’t get along or play well together.”

There was no JV contest, as STAA only fields a varsity squad.

Niagara, who improves to 4-3 on the season, remains home to host M&O foe Wausaukee on Tuesday. The Badgers defeated the Lady Rangers 62-26 to open the season on Nov. 24 at Wausaukee.

STAA 16 11 — 27

Niagara 33 30 — 63

NIAGARA: Rock 15, Cretton 16, Wells 9, Borchardt 12, Pearson 7, Maes 4; FT: 8-13; F: 11; Fouled Out: None; Rock 5, Borchardt 3, Wells.