NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona College junior guard Damika Martinez's game-tying three with seven ticks left capped a late second half comeback before a 14-7 run in overtime propelled the Gaels to a season opening 82-75 victory over Arizona in the opening round of the 2013 Iona Tip-Off Tournament Friday evening at the Hynes Athletics Center.
Martinez finished with a game high 35 points, while grabbing seven rebounds and picking up two steals. Sophomore forward Joy Adams began her season with a double-double on 22 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Sabrina Jeridore tied a career high with 12 points and redshirt senior guard Haley D'Angelo dished out a career high nine assists. Junior guard Aleesha Powell finished seven points and seven assists.
The Gaels controlled the early part of the contest, going ahead 15-7 on a jumper by Martinez with 12:59 left in the period. The Wildcats would answer, and grab the lead for the first time on a three-pointer by Candice Warthen with 8:34 remaining in the half.
Arizona led by as many as four in the period, before Iona went on a 13-2 run, capped by a three-pointer by sophomore forward Cassidee Ranger that gave the Gaels a 33-26 lead with 2:50 left in the first. Two free throws by Jeridore with 1:41 remaining in the frame gave the Gaels a 35-30 halftime lead.
Iona extended its lead to eight in the early second half on a free throw by Martinez with 15:48 on the clock. Arizona responded with an 11-2 run, taking the lead on layup by Dejza James before extending their lead to a game high 10, 58-48, on a jumper by LaBrittney James with 7:37 remaining.
Over the final seven-plus minutes, the Gaels would battle back on the momentum of a 20-10 run. A three-pointer by Powell with 4:48 remaining cut the lead to five, 62-57, before Martinez delivered the game tying basket in the final ten seconds.
In the overtime frame, Iona jumped out to a five point lead, 75-70, on a jumper by Adams following Martinez's fourth three-pointer of the game. The Gaels would then extend the lead to 10 on another Martinez trifecta to seal the win.
Arizona was led by Candice Warthen's 22 points, one of four Wildcats in double figures. James finished with a team high 10 rebounds.
Iona will take on Bowling Green, who defeated Michigan in the tournament's opener, Saturday at 3:30 pm. The Wildcats and Wolverines will matchup in the day's first contest at 1:00 pm.
