NIAGARA UNIV., NY - The Iona College women's basketball team won its third consecutive contest with a 73-52 victory on the road against Niagara. The Gaels have now swept the Purple Eagles in four straight seasons and have won the last nine meetings.
Iona (16-11, 9-7 MAAC) opened a 25-20 first half lead following five straight points by sophomore Anda Ivkovic, but was then outscored 13-0 as Niagara (1-26, 0-16 MAAC) pulled in front 33-25 with 2:42 left in the period. The Maroon & Gold scored the last five points of the half to close to within three at the break.
The Gaels outscored the Purple Eagles 25-7 in the first ten minutes of the second half, holding Niagara to just one field goal in nine attempts over the span. Leading 68-52 with 1:42 remaining, freshman Kara Kochanek entered the game and scored five unanswered points to help Iona close out the afternoon with the 21-point victory.
Junior Thazina Cook had a game-high 20 points to lead the Maroon & Gold. Ivkovic added 16 points and seven rebounds, while classmate Suzi Fregosi led the squad with six boards. Rookie Kristina Ford grabbed a team-best eight rebounds along with her nine points and two steals.
The Gaels shot 50.0% from the field, including a 55.2% performance in the second half, and connected on 10-of-12 from the free throw line. Iona held a 34-26 rebound advantage.
Iona continues its western New York trip on Feb. 22 with a 2:00 pm tilt at Canisius.
