NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team controlled play throughout Sunday’s matchup and shot close to 60 percent from the floor on its way to a 68-55 victory for its first win against Iona in 14 contests.   
 
The Purple Eagles (10-16, 7-7 MAAC) took a 34-29 lead over the Gaels (10-14, 6-7 MAAC) into halftime.  Niagara surrendered the lead only twice halfway through the opening half; each time Iona took a one-point lead freshman, Meghan McGuinness hit a three-pointer to put Niagara back in front.The second of the freshman’s 3's put Niagara in the lead for good. 

"It is a big step for us putting two quality showings together, especially on the road," head coach Kendra Faustin said.  "It was another team effort night with five players scoring double digits.  Shy Britton took three charges and that really illustrates the passion we played with on the defensive end."

Six minutes into the second half Niagara extended the lead to 49-32 thanks to a 17-6 run to begin the half.  Senior Ali Morris scored 11 of her 15 total points during the seven-minute stretch.
 
The Gaels continued to make shots but the Purple Eagles kept them at bay, never allowing Iona to get within 11 points, and came away winning the second game of its final roadtrip of the season, 68-55.
 
After having four players hit double-digit points in their game on Friday, the Purple Eagles had five players in double figures scoring against the Gaels.  Morris led the way with 15 while Kayla Stroman added 12,  Shy Britton and McGuinness each scored 11 and Lauren Gatto tallied 10. 
 
As a team Niagara hit 58.3 percent of its shots from the floor and 41.7 percent (5-for-12) from 3-point range.  It also hit 7 of 8 chances (87.5 percent) from the free-throw line.
 
Val McQuade brought in a team-high five rebounds while playing 19 minutes. 
 
Niagara returns home to the Gallagher Center to host the Fairfield Stags at 7 pm to start its season-ending four-game homestand.