NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Canisius upended Iona's MAAC home-opener in comeback fashion on Tuesday evening, 53-49. The Gaels led by as many as 10 on multiple occasions, but the Golden Griffs limited the Maroon & Gold to just two points on 1-for-13 shooting in the fourth quarter.
Five-time MAAC Rookie of the Week Toyosi Abiola tied a career-high with 21 points on 8-for-16 shooting. She shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, and contributed two rebounds and one assist. Junior Treyanna Clay netted 11 points, and freshman Jayden Eggleston pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds.
Junior Maria Welch and senior Saliah Serrette scored 10 and 11 points appease. Sophomore Anna Sweny pulled down eight rebounds, including the final offense rebound on a missed field goal that sealed the Maroon & Gold's fate.
Much like against Niagara in its opening conference game, Iona started strong on the offense end. Junior Alexis Lewis and Abiola combined for 14 points in the first quarter while the defense forced seven Canisius turnovers. The Gaels led at halftime 33-25.
After trading baskets throughout the third quarter, the Golden Griffins brought their energy come the final frame. Senior Margret Halfdanardottir tied the game on a layup in which she was fouled on with 1:16 remaining; she made the free throw, resulting in the final stroke of the bell for the Maroon & Gold.
Iona was undone by a 14-0 run to end the game by Canisius. The Gaels missed their final 11 shots and did not score in the final 8:57 of the contest. Canisius committed just four turnovers in the second half and hit on 42% on their three-point field goal attempts. It is the fourth team to hold Iona under 50 points this season.
Entering tonight's game, Iona had won 15 of the last 16, and 20 of the last 23 meetings against Canisius. It is the first win in New Rochelle for the Griffs since Jan. 11, 2009.
It's a quick turnaround for the Gaels as they travel to Albany tomorrow and battle against Siena on Thursday morning.
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