BALTIMORE, MD - Junior Thazina Cook had her team-leading fifth double-double and scored a season-high 23 points to lead the Iona College women's basketball team to a 58-55 victory over Loyola in MAAC action at Reitz Arena.

Cook added 10 rebounds and five steals in one of her top performances of of the year.  Sophomore Anda Ivkovic flirted with a triple-double as she posted 10 points, seven rebounds and a career-high nine assists in the win.  Rookie Kristina Ford added 12 points, seven rebounds and career-best seven steals.

After leading by as many as nine points late in the first half, the Gaels (13-9, 6-5 MAAC
) allowed the Greyhounds (8-12, 3-7 MAAC) back into the game as the home team ended the frame on a 13-2 run and led 35-33 heading into halftime.

Loyola extended its advantage to five points on its first possession of the second half and held the single-digit advantage through the first 10 minutes of the period.   Ivkovic's jumper at the 10:17 mark gave the Maroon & Gold a 47-46 advantage.  The Gaels would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the contest.  Sophomore Suzi Fregosi put her squad ahead by five with a layup at 2:38.   After a Loyola bucket, Ford scored the Gaels final basket of the game with 70 seconds to play.   The Greyhounds got a quick bucket to get to within three points.   After trading three point misses, the Gaels got the ball back.   Iona missed the front end of a one-and-one with less than 10 seconds to play.   Loyola's Candice Walker's three point at the buzzer fell just short as the Gaels escaped with the 58-55 victory.

Iona held Loyola to just 37.3% shooting from the field but only mustered 32.5% for themselves.  A key advantage for the Maroon & Gold was its 18 steals and 28 forced turnovers.  The Gaels held a 24-15 points off turnovers advantage and 17-0 in the second half.

The Greyhounds were led by Ashley Alexander's 18 points and nine rebounds.   Kaitlin Grant had a double double with 12 points and a game-high 15 boards.

The Gaels are back in action at home on short rest on Sunday.  Iona takes on Marist at home for a 2:00 pm tip.  The athletic department joins in on the 23rd annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration. The Maroon and gold will start the day at 11:30am by inviting young fans from the community to sit through a host of guest speakers.