Niagara Univ., NY -
Martina Weber totaled 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Iona to a 65-55 win at Niagara on Sunday. The Gaels (5-5, 2-0) are perfect in the MAAC after two games for the first time since the 2003-04 season. The Purple Eagles (6-4, 0-2) have now lost four straight to Iona.
Lauren DeFalco had 12 points, all on three-point field goals, and six rebounds for the Gaels, who have are off to their best start since the 1992-93 season. Jessica Anger and Anna McLean added 10 points each. Shaunna Ambrose led Niagara with 24 points, the only Purple Eagle in double figures.
Toni Horvath turned in a strong all-around performance with six points, three rebounds, and nine assists.
Trailing 16-10 in the early going, a Weber three-point play at the 12:59 mark got the Gaels rolling. Two McLean lay-ups staggered with a pair of DeFalco trifectas completed a 13-0 run that put Iona ahead by seven. Niagara recovered to cut the lead to 27-24 with 5:44 left in the first, but the Maroon & Gold would dominate the end of the half. Thazina Cook hit consecutive 12-footers to start a 13-1 spurt, capped off by another DeFalco three, that sent the Gaels into the break up 40-25.
The Purple Eagles came out strong in the second half, using a 12-3 run to get back to within six. Anger and McLean then responded with 10 quick points as Iona stretched the lead back to 53-39.
With the Niagara creeping closer once again, Cook knocked down a huge three at the 7:32 mark to give Iona a 58-46 edge. The Purple Eagles fought back to within seven before the final three of the day from DeFalco made it 63-53 with 4:33 to go. The Gael defense stymied Niagara down the stretch as Iona cruised to its second straight win.
The Maroon & Gold shot a season-high 50.0% from the field while limiting Niagara to 38.5%. The Purple Eagles were held to 3-of-17 from beyond the arc.
Iona is one of just three teams to make it through the opening weekend of MAAC play undefeated. Fairfield and Marist are also 2-0 in the conference.
The Gaels take a break for exams before returning to the court on Dec. 17 when they host Wagner at 2:00 pm.
