NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y – This time it was not meant to be. Jamie Sherburne's jumper in the lane with 18.1 seconds left erased a career-high 22-point performance from Kristin Schatzlein and was just enough for the Purple Eagles to hold on to a 56-55 win over the Stags as Fairfield split their Buffalo trip for the third-straight season.

The Stags had two chances to win the game, but Schatzlein's jumper hit off the right side of the rim and then Fairfield could not get a final shot off with 0.8 seconds remaining.

Unlike in their previous game at Canisius, the Stags (6-7, 1-3 MAAC) got off to a quick start offensively, connecting on 46 percent of their shots in the first quarter, including 3-for-6 from long range.

The biggest reason for that run was Schatzlein. A game after hitting the game-winner with 1.4 seconds left, Schatzlein connected on her first four 3-pointers which spanned into the second quarter.

The Stags only trailed once in the first half which came at the 4:36 of the first quarter mark when Kaylee Stroemple connected on a 3-pointer.

The visiting side didn't waste any time getting the lead back, which they did 27 seconds later on a Kristine Miller layup.

Schatzlein's fourth 3-pointer at the 8:47 mark of the second quarter gave Fairfield their largest lead at 23-13 and forced a Niagara timeout.

The Stags were not the same after that timeout as they went into a shooting slump by hitting just two of their final 10 shots to end the half. Niagara (3-10, 1-3 MAAC) was able to grind out 5-0 run to end the half and cut the Fairfield lead to 28-25 going into the locker room.

Schatzlein tied her career-high with her fifth 3-pointer to open up the second half as the Stags scored eight of the first 12 points of the third quarter. However, short-handed Niagara just kept fighting. The Purple Eagles went on a 8-1 run to tie the game with 1:52 remaining and then Lizzy Ball and the Purple Eagles would trade baskets and the two teams were tied at 40-40 going into the fourth quarter.

Niagara took advantage of Casey Smith and Kelsey Carey being in foul trouble and led for the majority of the quarter.

Schatzlein's career-best sixth 3-pointer gave Fairfield a temporary lead at the 5:04 mark, but Stroemple's jumper in the lane opened up a five point lead at the 3:06 mark. The Stags fought back and even took the lead after two Samantha Cooper free throws, but the Stags could not get the final stop as the point guard Sherburne nailed a 12-foot jumper to take the lead for good.

In the game, Schatzlein's 22 points led the Stags with Carey's 11 points following her effort. Carey spent the majority of the game in foul trouble but she ignited the late run by the Stags to give them their late lead. Lizzy Ball totaled a career-high 10 boards in the contest.

Kaylee Stroemple continued her hot-shooting against Fairfield, tallying 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting. Stroemple was a Fairfield killer last season as she hit 12 of the 14 shots she took in her three games against the Stags. Sam Lapszynski led the Purple Eagles with 20 points.

The Stags will return home to host Manhattan on Friday at 11am as part of Fairfield's annual Kids' Day. Admission will be free for all fans.