NEW ROCHELLE, NY - With a double-digit lead over the majority of the contest, the Iona College women's basketball team defeated Niagara by a score of 71-55 in the last of a four game homestand at the Hynes Center.  The win was the seventh consecutive for the Gaels and the 11th straight vs. the Purple Eagles.

Iona (11-8, 7-1 MAAC) grabbed a 2-0 lead in the opening minute on an Anna McLean layup and never looked back.   By the 14:24 mark, the Maroon & Gold mounted a ten-point advantage.  Kristina Ford notched seven straight points to put the Gaels ahead 17-4 following a three point play with 13:51 to go in the half.  Iona held Niagara to 22.7% from the field and led by as much as 21 points in the first period.

An 8-4 run to open the second half gave the Gaels their largest edge of the day at 46-23 with 16:08 on the clock.  Niagara would get no closer than 12 points after scoring eight unanswered with 3:43 remaining.

McLean and Ford finished with 18 and 16 points, respectively, to lead the Gaels while each grabbed eight rebounds.  Anda Ivkovic, Thazina Cook, and Diana Hubbard added nine points apiece.  Iona held a 47-33 advantage off the glass and allowed just one Niagara three-pointer.

Rachele Folino led the Purple Eagles with 17 points and six rebounds, followed by 16 points and eight boards for Jaclyn Konieczka.

After completing the regular season sweep against Niagara, the Gaels will face Rider on the road in a Friday night match-up.  Game time is set for 7:00 pm on Jan. 29.