NIAGARA, Wis. – The Niagara Lady Badgers hosted Marinette and Oconto Conference co-leader Crivitz on Thursday night and pushed the visiting Wolverines to the end before falling 56-55.

Niagara (9-13 overall, 5-9 in conference) led 21-18 after the first half before Crivitz, behind standout junior guard Kiya Brand, outscored the Badgers 38-34 over the final 16 minutes.

Brand, a first-team M&O player last year as a sophomore, scored 20 of her game-high 33 points in the second half. Crivitz is tied with Lena for the league lead.

Meanwhile, Niagara’s Sydney Swanson matched Brand’s scoring output in the second half, recording 20 of her team-best 25 points. Swanson hit all four of her 3-pointers in the second half and sank 9 of 10 foul shots along the way.

Alivia Kleikamp joined Swanson in double figures with 16 points. Elesia Sweig and Lexi Johnston added seven points each.

Marli Meyers also kept Crivitz (19-2, 13-1) going in the second half with 12 of her 14 points. Only three Wolverines scored in the game.

The Lady Badgers are scheduled to travel to Wausaukee (3-18, 1-13) on Tuesday.

CRIVITZ – Brand 14 4-8 33, Dorschner 0 0-2 0, Wesoloski 3 2-4 9, Meyers 5 4-6 14. Totals: 22 10-20 56. 3-point field goals: 2 (Brand, Wesoloski).

NIAGARA – Sweig 2 2-4 7, Swanson 6 9-10 25, A. Kleikamp 5 6-9 16, Johnston 2 3-4 7. Totals: 15 20-29 55. 3-point field goals: 5 (Swanson 4, Sweig).

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Compiled by Daily News sports correspondent Jerry DeRoche.