Niagara Purple Eagles (1-18, 0-8 MAAC) vs. Iona Gaels (11-9, 4-5 MAAC)

Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 P.M. ET

Live Video, Stats and Audio: ICGaels.com

The Tip-Off

Niagara continues its New York metropolitan area MAAC road weekend series on Sunday afternoon. The Purple Eagles will face the Iona Gaels on Sunday afternoon in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Start The Clock

-  Niagara leads the all-time series with Iona, 25-15.

-  The Purple Eagles’ strength of schedule (SOS) of 86th is best in the MAAC.

-  Liz Flooks is 27th in the nation in free throw percentage (87.5 percent).

-  Liz Flooks and Jennifer McNamee rank third and fourth, respectively, in the MAAC in free throw percentage.

-  McNamee ranks ninth in the conference in points (12.9); McNamee (15.3) and Flooks (14.4) rank sixth and seventh respectively, in scoring in MAAC games only.

-  McNamee moved past Shauna Ambrose for sixth all-time in 3-point field goals attempts on Jan. 19

On the Court

Iona Gaels (11-9, 4-5 MAAC)

The Gaels feature three players that average in double figures: sophomore forward Anda Ivkovic (14.6), junior guard Thazina Cook (13.6) and freshman forward Kristina Ford (10.1). Ivkovic was named MAAC Player of the Week earlier this month (Jan. 5) and Ford has been named rookie of the week on three different occasions. In its last game, Iona defeated the Loyola Greyhounds 79-55.

Last Meeting - February 3, 2008, Niagara 58 - Iona 76

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Despite three players in double-figures, the Niagara University women’s basketball team dropped a 76-58 decision to the Iona Gaels on Sunday, Feb. 3. Liz Flooks led the team with 17 points and was followed by Michelle Manfredi (15) and Sarah Wilson (12).

Against the Gaels (Purple Eagles lead 25-15)

Niagara leads the all-time series against Iona, holding a 25-15 lead since the teams began play in 1979. The Purple Eagles +10 win difference is the most among MAAC teams.  Niagara has had winning streaks of 10 (1992-1996) and 8 (2002-2005) games. However, Iona has won the last seven meetings.

Nothing But Net

Niagara had one of its best shooting days in recent history against archrival Canisius on Jan. 4. The Purple Eagles shot a season-best 56.1 percent (24-for-41) from the field, were 11-for-15 (73.3 percent) behind the arc and shot 78.9 percent (15-for-19) from the free-throw line for their second-best free throw output since their opening game at Michigan State (10-for-10). 

Facing the Best

Niagara has consistency faced some of the best opposition this season and the stats does not lie. Niagara’s strength of schedule (SOS) is 86th entering today’s game, which is best in the MAAC; the Purple Eagles entered Jan. 9th game at No. 25 Marist with the best MAAC SOS of 59. The Jan. 9 game versus the AP Poll No. 25 Marist was the first ranked opponent at game time Niagara has faced this season. The Purple Eagles have played at Michigan State and Iowa State when both teams were unranked, but both teams have since been ranked in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll and AP Top 25; Iowa State is ranked 25th in this week’s ESPN/USA Today Poll. 

Gaining Ground Nationally

Liz Flooks’ smooth shooting touch had led to a top 30 ranking in the nation. Flooks’ 87.5 free throw percentage ranks 27th in the nation. She also leads the team and is third in the MAAC, one spot ahead of teammate Jennifer McNamee (85.5 perecent). Flooks had her consecutive streak of 27-straight free throws snapped in the loss to Marist on Jan. 3.