NIAGARA UNIV., NY - The Iona College women's basketball team went 2-0 in Western New York for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign with a 59-51 win at Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Gallagher Center.  The Gaels now hold a three game winning streak and improved their MAAC record to 3-1 (7-8 overall).

With a season-high 17 points, Kristina Ford helped lead Iona to its tenth consecutive victory over the Purple Eagles.  Ford converted on six-of-eight shots from the floor and was 2-2 at the free throw line while adding two rebounds and three steals.

Thazina Cook followed with 15 points while Anda Ivkovic was next with 12.  The Maroon & Gold held a narrow advantage on the boards, outrebounding Niagara 32-31.  The Gaels matched their season-high with 16 steals, led by five at the hands of Cook and three each by Ford and Diana Hubbard.

Iona held Niagara, fourth in the league in three-point field goals, to just one trifecta on a 16.7% performance from beyond the arc.  Conversely, the Gaels shot 50% from three-point range to post their second best trey total of the year with nine.

For the Purple Eagles, Rachele Folino had a team-best 12 points, followed by nine from Meghan Waterman.

The Gaels will play their next four straight games at home, beginning with a Jan. 16 match-up against Siena at the Hynes Center.