WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth completed the regular season sweep over Iona on Monday night with a 68-56 decision. The Hawks hit seven three-pointers in the second half and held the Maroon & Gold to 34.6% shooting to close out the come-from-behind effort at the OceanFirst Bank Center.
The long range onslaught was propelled by sophomore Kayla Shaw's sharpshooting 13 points in the second half. She hit three of her four trifectas in the final two frames, including the dagger bucket with seven minutes to go that put the Hawks up by ten.
Iona began the game strong with its highest scoring first quarter since the conference opener at Niagara back on Dec. 30. The Gaels and Hawks where knotted 20-20 after the opening frame; Monmouth used five offensive rebounds in the first five minutes to propel its scoring while Gael rookie Toyosi Abiola hit two threes in the final 70 seconds.
Foul trouble sprang for Iona in the second quarter with junior guard Alexis Lewis being whistled for her third personal with eight minutes remaining in the half. The Gaels didn't falter and instead forced five turnovers in the first five minutes of the second quarter; Monmouth ended up committing 16 turnovers in the first half, resulting in 16 points for the Maroon & Gold.
Iona led at halftime for the fifth time this season, 33-28. The Gaels assisted on each of their 12 made field goals. Abiola led all scorers at the break with nine points.
Monmouth's defense led to more efficient offense for the Hawks throughout the second half. It allowed just eight points for the Maroon & Gold in the third quarter. While forcing Gael miscues, the Hawks took care of the ball with just six turnovers in the third and fourth quarter.
The Hawks shot 8-for-11 in the fourth quarter with the sophomore tandem of Rosa Graham and Shaw combining for 14 points in the combined seven minutes of action.
Iona registered three assists on its nine field goals in the second after having 12 assists on its 12 field goals in the first half.
Lewis finished the game with a team-high 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting. She connected on 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and pulled down four rebounds. Junior Treyanna Clay and Abiola each had four assists, but junior Kristin Mahoney led all players with five helpers. Rookie Rebekah Justice had a balanced game with 10 points and seven rebounds.
Iona's next game is at home against the Rider Broncs on Thursday, Jan. 25. Tune in live at 7 PM on ESPN3 and WATCHESPN.
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