NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team won its fourth straight game to even its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record to 5-5 (9-13 overall).  The Gaels defeated Saint Peter's by a score of 65-55 at the Hynes Athletics Center and are now 6-2 at home.

Iona led briefly early in the first half, holding a 6-2 advantage at the 15:11 mark before the Peahens took over on a Lauren Morris free throw and a three-pointer by Teresa Manigrasso.  Saint Peter's remained ahead through the rest of the half, leading 27-24 at the break.

The visitors pushed the margin to seven points three minutes into the second half and would lead 37-30 with 15:44 on the clock.  Kristina Ford hit back-to-back jumpers and Anda Ivkovic added a pair of free throws to bring the Gaels within one with 12:36 to go.  At 11:05, Iona moved in front for the first time since the early minutes of the contest, taking a 40-39 lead on one of Ford's nine baskets. 

The advantage flip-flopped over the next four minutes until the Maroon & Gold pulled in front for good on a bucket by Catherine Lutz with 7:05 left in the game.  The Gaels led by as much as 12 down the stretch, with Jynae Judson capping off the night with a last second basket for the 65-55 final.

Ford logged 40 minutes on the court and led Iona with a season-high 20 points, adding six rebounds, one assist, and one block.  Ivkovic recorded her second consecutive double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds and shot a career best 10-10 from the free throw line.  Jessica Scannell had a strong outing, leading the team with five assists and three steals along with four points, two boards, and a block.

The Peahens' Jessica Coles led all players with 25 points while Morris had a team-high ten rebounds. 

Next on the schedule for Iona is a 7:30 pm home matchup against Fairfield on Feb. 4.

Score by Periods                1st  2nd   Total
Saint Peter's College.........   27   28  -   55
Iona College..................   24   41  -   65