New Rochelle, NY - Martina Weber paced the field with 18 points and seven rebounds, leading the Iona College women's basketball team (13-8, 8-2 MAAC) in a 72-56 victory over Canisius (11-10, 3-7 MAAC) at the Hynes Athletics Center. The Gaels will enjoy a six day break before facing off against Rider on Feb. 2 at home.

Iona gained a one point edge when Weber converted a three point play after being fouled on a layup by Canisius's Amanda Cavo with 16:14 on the clock in the first period. The two teams traded the lead over the next ten minutes, neither being able to gain significant control. The Gaels went up for good in the half on a three from Lauren DeFalco with 5:46 to go. For the second consecutive time, all four of DeFalco's field goals came from behind the arc.

Cavo hit a long shot at the 20 second mark to bring the Golden Griffins to within one going into the second half.

Less than a minute into the final half, Megan Lyte dropped in a bucket to put the Griffs up by one. Again, both teams bobbled the advantage until the Gaels took it for good on Anna McLean's 2-2 from the stripe at 12:52. The Maroon & Gold outscored Canisius 20-8 over the ensuing 11 minutes to gain a 13 point edge with 1:37 left in the game.

Polina Hadjiyankova added a three point field goal, her first of the year, to put Iona up by 18 with just 16 seconds remaining. The Griffs would score once more on a jumper by Abby Radunske as time ran low. At the horn, Iona recorded the win to end a two game losing streak.

DeFalco also hit 2-of-2 from the line to bring her point total to 14, going along with six rebounds and two assists. Toni Horvath continued her pursuit for Iona's all-time assist record, adding seven to her total this afternoon.