NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Maroon & Gold defense clamped down on Sunday afternoon as the Gaels picked up their first win of the 2017-18 season against Saint Peter's, 52-42. Iona held the Peacocks to their third-lowest point total ever recorded in the schools' 86th overall meeting; the only times Saint Peter's scored less date back to the 1974-75 and 2010-11 seasons.
Junior Treyanna Clay delivered an all-around performance for Iona with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block. She played a full forty minutes. Junior Alexis Lewis recorded her eighth double-double of the season, and the 20th of her career, with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Saint Peter's shot an Iona-opponent low 32.1% from the floor and 18.8% from beyond the arc. The Peacocks also set a new season-best for Iona's defense with just seven assists.
Iona pulled out the win despite hitting a season-low one three-pointer on a season-worst 7.7% long-range shooting. The Gaels shot 30.2% from the floor, but made up for the shooting lulls with a season-best 19 free throws on 25 attempts. Clay got to the free throw line five times and scored eight of her 12 from the charity stripe.
After the teams finished the first frame tied at 15, Iona put on its suffocating defense in the second and third quarter. Saints Peter's shot just 6-for-25 and scored 14 points total during the middle portion of the contest.
Freshman Toyosi Abiola netted eight points with one steal and two assists. Fellow rookie Jayden Eggleston came up big on the boards with a team-best and personal-best 11 rebounds. She had six offensive boards, all of which came in the second half.
Saint Peter's got 13 points and 11 rebounds from sophomore Zoe Pero. Senior Sajanna Bethea came off the bench for seven points and seven boards while sophomore Brianna Tarabocchia netted nine in her first career start.
The Peacocks played without senior Talah Hughes, who leads the team in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and minutes played.
The Maroon & Gold's 42 points allowed is the 12th lowest point total in all games against current MAAC teams. It is the second fewest points allowed under head coach Billi Chambers; the only time an opponent scored less was last year when the Gaels defeated the Red Foxes in McCann Arena, 48-37.
The Gaels return to action on the road at Marist on Thursday, Feb. 1. Tip-off against the Red Foxes slated for 7 PM.
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