Riverdale, N.Y. (January 6, 2007)?The Lady Jaspers went toe-to-toe with the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll favorite Iona, but the Gaels were able to pull away from Manhattan for a 72-62 win Saturday afternoon. Iona went on an 18-9 run to close out the game, helping the Gales improve to 8-6 overall and 3-0 in the MAAC. Manhattan falls to 4-9 overall and 1-2 in the MAAC.
The two local rivals engaged in a tight struggle, with neither team leading by more than six until the game's final minutes. In the second half, Kelly Regan put home a lay-up with just under eight minutes remaining to give the Lady Jaspers a one point lead at 54-53. However, a three-pointer from Iona's Tiara Headen, which started the 18-9 run, gave the Gaels the lead for good at 56-54 with 7:22 remaining. Martina Weber, who scored a game high 23 points, chipped in seven points during the run.
The Lady Jaspers did not help themselves as Iona pulled away, as Regan's lay-up was Manhattan's final field goal until Caitlin Flood's basket with 1:17 cut Iona's lead to 67-61. With time running down, Manhattan was forced to foul, but the Gaels converted five consecutive foul shots down the stretch to preserve the victory.
The Lady Jaspers played a strong first half, leading by as much as six at 30-24 with 2:59 remaining after two Michelle Pacheco foul shots. Manhattan led 32-29 at the break, but Iona took the lead in the second half's opening minutes at 37-36 after a jumper by Weber. From there, both teams traded baskets and the lead before Iona pulled away in the game's final seven minutes.
Manhattan's Flood and Regan played stellar games for the Lady Jaspers; Flood set a season high with 20 points, just two points off her career high, on 8-14 shooting. Regan grabbed eight rebounds to go along with 17 points on 7-13 shooting, just one point off her season and career highs.
The Green & White return to action this Monday at Draddy Gymnasium, when Niagara University comes to town. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
