Niagara University, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team earned its fifth straight win in a 83-72 victory over Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Gallagher Center. Junior center Anna McLean tallied her fifth double-double of the season (and third in a row) with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

Iona took its first lead of the contest a little over eight minutes into the contest when Jessica Smith's layup gave the team a 10-8 lead at 11:52. The two teams traded leads over the next two and a half minutes before Iona exploded for a 12-0 run. Back-to-back three pointers by freshman Suzi Fregosi and sophomore Thazina Cook gave Iona a 30-17 lead with 4:42 left in the half. The Gaels maintained a 12-point, 40-28 lead heading into halftime.

The Purple Eagles chipped away at their deficit getting as close as four points at the 11:50 mark. Iona regained a 10-point lead less than three minutes later on a McLean free throw. Fregosi gave the Maroon & Gold its largest lead of the half when her two free throws put the squad ahead 68-56 at 4:49. The Gaels maintained the double-digit lead with the help of a 9-for-10 effort from the free throw line in the final minute.

McLean recorded 20+ points and 10+ rebounds for the second straight contest. Cook added 12 points with six offensive rebounds while Smith recorded 11 points and seven boards. Fregosi was the fourth Gael in double digit scoring with 10 points off the bench.

Two key stats for the Gaels in the victory were a 51-31 rebounding margin and a 29-13 free throw made advantage.

Sophomore Jennifer McNamee tallied 18 points and rookie Liz Flooks had 17 for the home team.

Iona looks for the Western NY sweep on Saturday afternoon when they square off with Canisius.