New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team was downed by Manhattan, 73-66, in today's regular season finale.  The afternoon began with a brief presentation to honor the program's six graduating players; Polina Hadjiyankova, Jen Ritz, Jessica Smith, Lauren Huber, Lauren DeFalco, and Tiara Headen.

Manhattan opened the contest with a layup by Caitlin Flood seven seconds in to take a 2-0 lead.  Just 30 seconds later, Ritz connected on a three pointer in her first career start to put the Gaels ahead by one.  The advantage changed hands twice more in the half before Iona took comfortable control with a six point edge on an Anda Ivkovic jumper at the 11:19 mark. 

The Jaspers worked their way back up, tying the game at 20-20 when Kelly Regan layed one in with 7:46 on the clock.  The tie held up for over a minute, then the hosts pulled back in front and were able to keep the lead for the rest of the period.

With a 31-29 advantage to begin the second half, the Maroon & Gold stretched its lead to eight points by the 16:11 mark with a basket by Thazina Cook.  An 8-14 free throw performance in the half along with Manhattan's persistence hurt the Gaels, as the Jaspers took over the lead for good with 8:29 remaining.  A ten point deficit with just over three minutes left to play proved too big an obstacle, and Iona was forced to end its regular season with two straight losses.

Anna McLean came up big for the Gaels, recording her tenth double-double of the year.  McLean had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks.  DeFalco and Cook were the team's top scorers with 14 points apiece.  Manhattan's Flood had a game-high 19 points.

The Gaels will head into the MAAC Championships with a clean slate, playing in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 7.