CHAPEL HILL, NC – Three Gaels posted season-high point totals to lead the Iona College women's basketball team to its first win of the 2015-16 season early Sunday afternoon. The Maroon & Gold took down Fairleigh Dickinson 77-54, highlighted by senior Joy Adams 20 points, senior Aaliyah Robinson's 18 and freshman Alexis Lewis' 16.
Iona put together a dominant first quarter with a season-best 31 points, shooting 61% from the floor including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Robinson came out gunning, hitting five of her six three-point attempts in the opening ten minutes. Coming off the bench after just minutes had passed, Lewis and Adams created more sparks, combining for 15 points.
At the end of the first half, Iona held a 50-27 advantage. Robinson, Lewis and Adams combined for 40 points, hitting a combined 12-of-21 from the floor, and 9-of-11 from long distance. Junior Marina Lizarazu finished the opening 20 minutes with all six of her assists.
Adams started the second half strong, scoring seven points in the first few minutes of the third quarter. The Preseason MAAC Player of the Year finished the game with 20 points and 13 rebounds for her second double-double of the 2015-16 season.
Robinson, along with most of the regulars, rested in the fourth quarter. In her 18 minutes she hit six three-pointers, tying a career high.
Sophomore Philecia Gilmore scored eight points and had four rebounds off the bench in the second half. Sophomore Casey Wortley made her Iona debut and hit a field goal.
Iona finished the game with a 43.8% field goal percentage and 34.5% from beyond the arc. Gaels also hit 11-of-13 from the charity stripe.
Fairleigh Dickinson had two double-digit scorers in red-shirt senior Erika Livermore, and senior Kelsey Cruz. They finished with 11 and 10 respectively.
The Knights were held to 36.5% shooting and failed to register a three-pointer
Iona's next contest marks the conclusion of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge. The Maroon & Gold suit up against the USC next Sunday (Nov. 29) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Tip off is scheduled for noon.
