Brooklyn, NY - A career-high scoring effort from Lauren DeFalco and a double-double effort by Regan Pettijohn helped Iona to a 70-54 win over St. Francis (NY) on Thursday night. The Gaels (3-4) snapped a three-game losing streak, while the Terriers (1-4) have dropped four straight.

DeFalco, a junior guard, poured in 21 points while going 8-of-10 from the floor, including 3-for-5 from three-point land. Pettijohn, a senior center, racked up 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.

Katja Bavendam, the Terriers' 6-7 center, had 23 points and 14 boards. After a dominant first half, the Gaels limited her to just eight points and two rebounds after the break.

St. Francis jumped out to a 20-16 lead as Bavendam gave Iona problems in the middle. But two Pettijohn baskets sparked a 9-0 run that saw the Gaels take a five-point advantage with 3:44 remaining. The Terriers responded with nine of the next eleven points before DeFalco hit a jumper with two seconds left to even the game at intermission.

With Iona down 36-35, Tiara Headen scored on back-to-back possessions to start a Gael spurt. DeFalco connected on a three moments later before capping off a 13-5 run with a driving lay-up to give Iona a 48-41 advantage.

The Maroon & Gold continued to pull away as Pettijohn and Jessica Anger buried big threes to push the lead to 62-46. St. Francis (NY) got back to within twelve before DeFalco put the final nail in the coffin with a three and a lay-up as the clock moved under two minutes.

Headen was also in double figures for the Gaels with 10 points. Toni Horvath handed out five assists as she moved into third place all-time on the Iona career list with 395.

The Terriers struggled with the Gaels' pressure defense throughout the game, turning the ball over 22 times. Iona had eight steals while giving it up just 11 times.

On Sunday, the Maroon & Gold return to the court for a 2:00 pm tilt at Elon.