NIAGARA, Wis. – The Niagara Lady Badgers turned a small halftime deficit into a narrow victory Tuesday night when they defeated visiting Coleman 46-43 in their Marinette and Oconto Conference opener.

Trailing 19-16 at the halftime break, Niagara (2-1, 1-0) outscored the Cougars 30-24 over the final 18 minutes to notch the victory.

Sydney Swanson and Alivia Kleikamp led the Badgers with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Niagara had opportunities to put more distance between themselves and the Cougars but shot just 13 of 26 from the foul line.

Niagara heads to Gillett (2-0, 1-0) for an M&O game on Friday.

COLEMAN – Jensen 0 2-4 2, Gilbertson 1 1-2 3, Kuchta 7 0-0 15, Rosner 2 0-0 5, Gruss 6 0-0 13, Kurth 2 0-2 5. Totals: 18 3-8 43. Three-pointers: 4 (Kuchta, Rosner, Gruss, Kurth).

NIAGARA – Sweig 2 2-2 7, J. Kleikamp 3 2-4 8, Sanicki 2 1-3 7, Swanson 4 4-7 12, A. Kleikamp 3 4-10 10, Johnston 1 0-0 2. Totals: 15 13-26 46. Three-pointers 3 (Sanicki 2, Sweig).

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Compiled by Daily News sports correspondent Jerry DeRoche