Yesterday wasn't a complete disaster for Iona BB, as the Women (like the Men) rallied in the second half but came away with a 68-61 road win over Winthrop. Shyan Mwai and Morgan Rachu led the way with 22 and 21 points, mostly from deep. I believe we shot about 60% (3Pt) in the second half. Congrats to the Lady Gaels.
The "Hearts & Hustle" Lady Gaels dropped a heartbreaker, 76-74, to the Lady Dukes. Down 60-48 entering the final quarter, coach Chambers went to a five guard lineup, with guards Lesko and Camilion, at 5'10, our tallest players. The Lady Dukes had two 6'2, and one 6'4 player on the court. But the strategy worked, and the Gaels battled back and tied the game at 74 with a little less than a minute remaining, on a Rachu three. Unfortunately, with 1.7 seconds remaining, a foul was called against Iona and Duquesne made both. After an Iona TO and the ball advanced to mid-court, a Morgan Rachu 3 pt attempt was blocked, and the game ended. Iona had four players in double figures, led by Rachu with 20 points. Mwai, Camilion, and Barefield also scored in double figures. Tori Lesko continued her inspired play with 13 rebounds, and Juana Camilion had eight assists. Team deserved more support, with only 300+ in attendance.
The "Hearts & Hustle" Lady Gaels dropped a heartbreaker, 76-74, to the Lady Dukes. Down 60-48 entering the final quarter, coach Chambers went to a five guard lineup, with guards Lesko and Camilion, at 5'10, our tallest players. The Lady Dukes had two 6'2, and one 6'4 player on the court. But the strategy worked, and the Gaels battled back and tied the game at 74 with a little less than a minute remaining, on a Rachu three. Unfortunately, with 1.7 seconds remaining, a foul was called against Iona and Duquesne made both. After an Iona TO and the ball advanced to mid-court, a Morgan Rachu 3 pt attempt was blocked, and the game ended. Iona had four players in double figures, led by Rachu with 20 points. Mwai, Camilion, and Barefield also scored in double figures. Tori Lesko continued her inspired play with 13 rebounds, and Juana Camilion had eight assists. Team deserved more support, with only 300+ in attendance.
Was a great game. Both teams played well. Duquense is preseason #1 in the A10 and they looked it. MAAC is going to be good on the Women's side, but it's great to see we have a competitive team again.
The "Hearts & Hustle" Lady Gaels dropped a heartbreaker, 76-74, to the Lady Dukes. Down 60-48 entering the final quarter, coach Chambers went to a five guard lineup, with guards Lesko and Camilion, at 5'10, our tallest players. The Lady Dukes had two 6'2, and one 6'4 player on the court. But the strategy worked, and the Gaels battled back and tied the game at 74 with a little less than a minute remaining, on a Rachu three. Unfortunately, with 1.7 seconds remaining, a foul was called against Iona and Duquesne made both. After an Iona TO and the ball advanced to mid-court, a Morgan Rachu 3 pt attempt was blocked, and the game ended. Iona had four players in double figures, led by Rachu with 20 points. Mwai, Camilion, and Barefield also scored in double figures. Tori Lesko continued her inspired play with 13 rebounds, and Juana Camilion had eight assists. Team deserved more support, with only 300+ in attendance.
Was a great game. Both teams played well. Duquense is preseason #1 in the A10 and they looked it. MAAC is going to be good on the Women's side, but it's great to see we have a competitive team again.
The Iona Women's team signed two in the early recruiting period. A 6'4 forward (not a center) from Virginia and a player from Spain. I'm assuming the player from Spain is a guard, but don't know if she's a PG or OG. Pictures/story on the official Iona site, but no stats.
Iona Women lost to 9-3 UMASS in a game played at Iona, 65-51. Thus we ended 2019, without either the Men or Women recording a home court victory. Next game at Arrigoni is January 3rd when the Men play SPU, with the Women playing Rider, the following day. Despite a 1-8 record, the Lady Gaels are a better team than last year's team. Perez, frosh PG, looked good, with four assists and zero TO's and the soph transfer, Williams, also played well. Soph guard Camilion recorded six steals. The team only loses one player this year, but unfortunately, it's their best player, Morgan Rachu. But, imo, the team is better.
greg, they snapped a 52 GAME WIN STREAK by the Lady Bobcats in MAAC play. And they did it without their high scorer, Morgan Rachu, who is injured. Morgan was on the bench in a "boot", and I don't know how long she'll be out. In snapping their own eight game losing streak, the Women notched the first 2020 win for an Iona BB team. Have to say it was the best I've seen the Women play since Marina Lizerazu's (Sp?) senior season. Hope the Iona sports dept shows a clip of the game. For me, the highlight was a three on two fast break which featured a behind the back pass (at about the foul line) from Lesko to Camilion, who then dished it Williams for a layup. Best fast break by an Iona team, Men or Women, this season. Hope this game is an omen for Iona BB in 2020.
greg, they snapped a 52 GAME WIN STREAK by the Lady Bobcats in MAAC play. And they did it without their high scorer, Morgan Rachu, who is injured. Morgan was on the bench in a "boot", and I don't know how long she'll be out. In snapping their own eight game losing streak, the Women notched the first 2020 win for an Iona BB team. Have to say it was the best I've seen the Women play since Marina Lizerazu's (Sp?) senior season. Hope the Iona sports dept shows a clip of the game. For me, the highlight was a three on two fast break which featured a behind the back pass (at about the foul line) from Lesko to Camilion, who then dished it Williams for a layup. Best fast break by an Iona team, Men or Women, this season. Hope this game is an omen for Iona BB in 2020.
All true. In Quinni's defense though, they have had two major injuries to two of their best players.
greg, they snapped a 52 GAME WIN STREAK by the Lady Bobcats in MAAC play. And they did it without their high scorer, Morgan Rachu, who is injured. Morgan was on the bench in a "boot", and I don't know how long she'll be out. In snapping their own eight game losing streak, the Women notched the first 2020 win for an Iona BB team. Have to say it was the best I've seen the Women play since Marina Lizerazu's (Sp?) senior season. Hope the Iona sports dept shows a clip of the game. For me, the highlight was a three on two fast break which featured a behind the back pass (at about the foul line) from Lesko to Camilion, who then dished it Williams for a layup. Best fast break by an Iona team, Men or Women, this season. Hope this game is an omen for Iona BB in 2020.
All true. In Quinni's defense though, they have had two major injuries to two of their best players.