NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team (9-14, 5-6 MAAC) lost a gutsy overtime battle, falling 67-63 to Fairfield (15-7, 8-3 MAAC) to end a four-game winning streak.  The loss also put a stop to the Gaels' string of seven consecutive home victories over the Stags.

After falling behind 4-0 to begin the night, Iona scored eight straight points to lead 8-4 six minutes into the contest.  With the exception of a 10-10 tie and a fleeting one-point Fairfield edge, the Maroon & Gold led for the remainder of the first half and was in front by as many as eight points at the 6:21 mark.  The Stags cut it to one on an 8-1 run and pulled in front on a layup by Alexys Vazquez with 1:16 to go in the half. A steal by Tomica Bacic led to a Jessica Scannell trifecta as Iona regained the advantage to take a 27-25 lead into the locker room.

The close-matched second half showcased eight tied scores, with the lead changing hands eight times and neither team able to break away by more than five at any point.  The Gaels were ahead 57-55 with five seconds left in regulation when Katelyn Linney drove to the basket for a score to force Iona's second overtime situation in three games.

The Gaels controlled the jump ball to open the extra frame and pulled in front by two on a jumper by Bacic.  The Stags then registered the next six points, four coming from Taryn Johnson, and went on to outscore Iona 10-6 in the period.

Anda Ivkovic recorded her third consecutive double-double, leading Iona with 20 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Bacic followed with 15 points and eight boards while Marissa Flagg added nine points and led all players with six assists. 

Johnson led three Stags in double figures with 22 points, also earning a double-double with ten rebounds.  Desiree Pina and Linney contributed 16 and ten points, respectively to help Fairfield extend its win streak to five.

The Gaels continue conference action at Rider on Feb. 6.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.