NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Iona scored a season-best 46 points in the first half, but Niagara's 21-point comeback spoiled the Maroon & Gold's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener, 73-59. The Gaels were held to just 13 points in the final two quarters as the Purple Eagles made the most of a 29-10 free-throw shot discrepancy.
Junior Alexis Lewis scored a team-high 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting. She has three 20+ scoring games this season, and 15 in her career. Four-time MAAC Rookie of the Week Toyosi Abiola scored 17 points, 15 of which came in the first half. She made a four three-pointers in the first quarter, and finished with a career-high five.
Niagara was led by redshirt senior Victoria Rampado. She started off slow with just two points in the first quarter, but ended with a career-high 28 in addition to nine rebounds. She scored 16 of her points in the second half, hitting on 5-of-10 field goals and six free throws.
Iona began the game shooting 61.1% and scoring 28 points in the first quarter; both season-highs for a single frame. The hot shooting continued throughout the first half as the Maroon & Gold entered the locker room at halftime with a 46-29 lead.
The Purple Eagles stormed out in the third quarter with a quick 7-0 run to get within 10. Iona was able to hold onto its lead until the first minute of the fourth quarter. Sophomore Maggie McIntyre hit one from long range to knot the game at 55, and a minute later senior Kaylee Stroemple gave Niagara a lead it'd never relinquish with a free throw.
Rampado and Stroemple fueled a fate-sealing 11-2 midway through the fourth quarter. Niagara scored nine points off turnovers in the final eight minutes.
Niagara's victory snaps a ten game losing streak versus the Maroon & Gold. The Gaels have won 24 of the last 26 meetings.
Senior Kristin Mahoney distributed a career-best six rebounds and recorded her first collegiate block. Junior Treyanna Clay had nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Iona's next game is on Tuesday, Jan. 2 against Canisius at the Hynes Athletics Center. Tip-off between the Gaels and Golden Griffins set for 7 p.m.
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