LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena defended home court with a 64-51 win late Tuesday morning against Iona. Due in large part to their 13 steals, the Saints scored 25 points off turnovers and shot an effective 41.2% from the floor.
Iona began the game on a quick 7-0 spurt, spurned by the play of freshmen Toyosi Abiola and Adrienne DiGioia. Siena's play evened out and by the end of the quarter it held a 19-14 lead, anchored by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by senior Joelle Gibson.
Offense didn't come easily to either team in the second quarter as both teams had just one made field goal until 4:40 remained. The Gaels didn't have any points until junior Treyanna Clay knocked down a couple of free throws midway through the frame. Freshman Rebekah Justice scored six straight points for Iona and kept the Maroon & Gold within striking distance despite Siena ending the half on an 8-2 run.
The Saints led the Gaels 35-22 at halftime.
Abiola and Justice brought Iona back within single-digits less than a minute into the second half. Siena responded with a 9-2 run to make the scoreboard read in their favor 44-29 with under five minutes to go in the frame.
The Saints began the fourth quarter on another momentum-swelling 9-2 run. They extended the lead to 57-38, resulting in the Maroon & Gold calling their first timeout of the second half with 5:45 remaining. Gaels made a brief run and got within 12 points but Siena sealed the deal with seven made free throws down the final stretch
Justice finished the game with a career-high 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Abiola pulled down a career-best seven rebounds in addition to 13 points. Clay mustered 10 points, making a season-high six free throws.
Rookie Jayden Eggleston had her second straight productive game on the glass, pulling down eight rebounds. She also tied a personal-best with four assists.
Siena was led by senior Kollyns Scarbrough's 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Sophomore Maddie Sims scored 13 points while a team-high two blocks. Junior Hayley Winter and Gibson each had three assists.
Iona attempted a season-low seven three-point field goal attempts; both made trifectas were put home by the five-time MAAC Rookie of the Week.
The Maroon & Gold return to action at the Hynes Athletics Centeron Saturday, Jan. 6 against defending MAAC Champions Quinnipiac. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Watch the game live on ESPN3 or WATCHESPN.
Fans can keep up with the latest news and excitement surrounding Iona women's basketball by following the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
