NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's basketball team extended its winning streak to 14 games with a 70-52 victory over Manhattan Monday evening in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Hynes Center. The Gaels were able to withstand 20 turnovers by shooting 46.7% from the field in the second half and holding a 51-31 advantage on the boards.
Junior guard Damika Martinez scored a team high 18 points and had five assists in the win. Sophomore forward Joy Adams picked up her 15th double-double of the season with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Senior center Sabrina Jeridore had her second double-double of the season with 15 points and a career high 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Junior guard Aleesha Powell was the fourth Iona performer in double figures, with 12 points and three steals. The Gaels' 51 rebounds as a team were the most in a game since a February 2012 victory over Saint Peter's.
The Maroon & Gold connected early in the contest, take a 15-4 lead with 15:04 remaining in the first on a three pointer by Martinez. From there the Jaspers countered with a 21-10 run, tying the contest at 25 with 5:43 left in the period.
Manhattan took its first lead, 26-25, on a Blake Underhill free throw with 4:37 on the clock before the Gaels ended the half on a 9-4 run, taking a 34-29 lead on a layup by sophomore guard Aaliyah Robinson with sevens seconds remaining in the half.
Iona extended its lead to seven less than a minute into the second half, but the Jaspers kept within striking distance. With the Gaels ahead 44-39, Iona went on a 6-1 run to take a double digit lead, 50-40, with 11:06 remaining.
Ahead 53-44 with 9:34 remaining, Iona put the game away with a 13-0 run, holding the Jaspers without a point for over five minutes, and pulling ahead 66-44 with 4:15 remaining on a layup by Powell. Manhattan ended the contest on an 8-4 run after the outcome had largely been decided.
Manhattan was led by 18 points from Monica Roeder and 14 points and 13 rebounds from Ashley Stec. Iona is back in action Friday evening when it visits Monmouth for a 7:00 pm start.
