NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team got its first win of the season with a 62-55 victory over Bucknell in the Iona Tip-Off Tournament.  The Gaels evened their record to 1-1 while the Bison dropped to 0-2.

A slow start allowed Bucknell to open a 7-0 lead before Iona put its first points on the board.  Thazina Cook broke the ice with a jumper at the 18:03 mark, and the Gaels went on to take their first lead of the day on a layup by Anda Ivkovic at 14:02.  The advantage changed hands three times over the remainder of the first half with the Bison taking a 27-24 edge into the locker room.

Iona pulled back in front five minutes into the second half.  Freshman Diana Hubbard picked up her first career points with a basket at the 15:09 mark to give the Gaels the lead for good.  The Maroon & Gold outscored its opponent 38-28 in the half and held the largest advantage of the day with a nine-point spread on three occasions.

Cook paced the Gaels with a game-high 16 points along with seven rebounds.  Ivkovic followed with 14 points, and Anna McLean rounded out the double figure scorers with ten.  Suzi Fregosi had seven assists.  Cosima Higham posted a team-best 15 points for the Bison, who were hindered with 29 turnovers in the contest.  On the flip side, Iona picked up 16 steals while committing 12 turnovers.

The Gaels wrap up a three-game season-opening home stand when they host Pacific at noon on Nov. 20.