Hamden, CT - The Iona College women's basketball team had a big night to claim their second-ever postseason win with a 71-59 victory over Quinnipiac in the opening round of the 2008 Women's National Invitation Tournament. Junior Anna McLean was strong with her 11th double-double of the year on a career-high 24 points and 18 rebounds.
"I'm extremely proud of the young ladies for a great performance against a tough Qunnipiac team tonight," said head coach Anthony Bozzella. "It was a hard fought game and I'm very happy to advance to the next round of the WNIT."
Mandy Pennewell led the Bobcats with 15 points. Rookies Cat Lutz and Anda Ivkovic were the Maroon & Gold's other double figure scorers with 12 and 10 points respectively. The Gaels held a 47-31 rebounding advantage, which included McLean's ten off the offensive glass.
Thazina Cook and Mandy Pennewell put up matching trifectas to open the contest for a 3-3 tie at 18:53 in the first half. A layup by McLean eight seconds later put Iona ahead for good. Ahead by four with 6:44 on the clock, Lutz posted her complete point total with a three point rampage, knocking down four straight shots from long distance in just 99 seconds. Iona would lead by 13 at the intermission.
"Cat is one of many great shooters on this team," said Bozzella. "The minute and a half stretch she had was about as good as I've seen in college basketball."
After making eight shots from beyond the arc in the first half, the Gaels recorded just one in the second, instead banking on McLean's prowess underneath the basket. She scored Iona's first five buckets of the half over a six minute period. Quinnipiac pulled to within ten points on two occasions but would get no closer.
"We made an effort to get the ball inside in the second half and Anna did a fantastic job," said Bozzella. "Whether pounding it inside or getting her the ball on a missed shot and offensive rebound, she really performed like the All-Conference player that she is."
With the win, the Gaels advance to the WNIT Second Round for the second consecutive year. They will travel to St. John's, playing at 7:00 pm on Monday (Mar. 24) at Carnesecca Arena.
