CANCUN, MEXICO - In the first of two games at the Caribbean Challenge presented by Triple Crown Sports, the Iona College women's basketball team lost a 66-60 nail biter to Arkansas.  Senior Anna McLean led the Gaels with 15 points and 11 rebounds in a game that became a tale of two halves.

"This has been a great experience for us so far, and we look forward to bouncing back tomorrow," said head coach Anthony Bozzella.  "We really appreciate our school allowing us the opportunity to participate in something like this."

Iona (2-3) shot 46.2% in the first half and went an impressive 6-for-10 from three point range.  With the game tied at six, rookie Diana Hubbard hit her second of four trifectas to give the Maroon & Gold a three point lead at the 15:16 mark.  The Gaels stayed comfortably in front for the rest of the half, leading by as much as nine points with 1:55 to go.  At the break, Iona had a 36-28 advantage.

The second half saw a significant turn-around as the Gaels banked just 22.2% in the period to Arkansas' 46.4%.  The Razorbacks put up a 14-6 run to climb out of an 11-point hole and tied the score at 42-42 less than five minutes into the half.  Lyndsay Harris went on a hot streak, knocking down six three-point field goals over a five minute span.

Down by three, Milica Paligoric nailed a timely three-point shot for the Gaels to tie things up at 56-all with 4:43 to go.  The Razorbacks regained the lead on a jumper by C'eira Ricketts and Iona was unable to close the gap in the waning minutes.

For Iona, Hubbard finished with a career-high 12 points.  Thazina Cook had her fourth straight double figure outing with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Suzi Fregosi dished out five assists.  The Gaels held a 41-33 advantage on the boards.  For Arkansas, Harris put up a game-leading 26 points with eight three pointers in the contest.

Iona concludes the in-season tournament with a match-up against Cleveland State on Friday.