NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Taleah Dixon's 13 points led four Loyola University Maryland players in double figures, but a big run for Niagara early in the third quarter helped the Purple Eagles rally for an 81-71 victory in the season opener for both sides on Tuesday.

Dixon, Charia Roberts (11 points, eight rebounds), Bri Rozzi (11 points, five rebounds) and Lex Therien (10 points, six rebounds) led a balanced offensive performance. Dixon hit 3 of 5 attempts from 3-point range, and Loyola shot 57.1 percent (8 for 14) from long distance overall, the program's best output since Jan. 24, 2018 in the first game under new head coach Danielle O'Banion.

Ally Haar led all scorers with 22 points (7-15 FG, 6-12 3FG) for Niagara, and she hit half of her 3-pointers during a 26-6 third-quarter run for the home side which turned a 48-29 deficit into a 55-54 lead.

Loyola trailed 17-12 after the opening 10 minutes, but the offense caught fire in the second quarter. Keegan Douglas converted a layup to give the Greyhounds their first lead with 4:39 remaining in the half, and her 3-pointer capped an 11-0 run which made it 35-26 in favor of the visitors.

The lead was ultimately 40-29 at the break, and two Dixon 3-pointers highlighted an 8-0 run to begin the second half to give Loyola its largest lead of 19 points. After Niagara's extended run, the Greyhounds maintained a 62-60 advantage heading into the fourth. The Purple Eagles, though, outscored Loyola by a 21-9 margin during the final quarter to finish off the win.

Douglas added nine points in her collegiate debut, while Caramina Tañedo contributed eight points (2-2 3FG) in 21 minutes off the bench. Loyola's 71 points were the program's most since Jan. 8, 2019.

The Greyhounds can now look ahead to a three-game stretch at Reitz Arena, beginning with Friday's home opener against George Mason. Opening tip on Field Trip Day is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.