NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Rider University women's basketball team was defeated, 72-53, by Iona Monday afternoon. The Broncs fall to 2-10 on the season, and 0-3 in MAAC play, while the Gaels improve to 8-5 on the year, and 1-2 in league play.
 
Down 4-2 early in the game, the Broncs got back-to-back baskets from Deb Okechukwu (Washington, DC/Archbishop Carroll [Harcum CC/CCBC – Essex]) to go ahead 6-4. Tied 8-8, the Gaels would take control of the game with an 8-0 run and lead 16-11 after the first quarter.
 
After a layup by Aliya McIver (White Plains, NY/White Plains) to start the second quarter, Iona went on a 9-0 run to extend its lead to 25-13. A late three from Aina Perez Mesquida (Manacor, Spain/IES CTEIB) would trim the Rider deficit to 33-24 at the half.
 
Kristina Ekofo (Brussels, Belgium/ Établissement Des Soeurs De Notre Dame[North Dakota State University/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M]) would open the second half with an old-fashioned three-point play, but the Broncs would be unable to gain any traction in the remainder of the quarter. Leading 46-36, the Gaels would close out the quarter on a 7-0 run to lead 53-36 with 10 minutes to play.
 
A layup by Alena Cofield (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy) and a three from Okechukwu cut the lead to 53-41, put Iona would counter with a pair of threes on a 6-2 run to keep the Broncs from closing the gap. Down 66-45, Emmy Roach (Littlehampton, Australia/Heathfield) scored five-straight points, but the Broncs would get no closer.
 
Quotes & Notes
"We got beat by a better team, who out-played us, out-toughed us, and outworked us." – Head Coach Jackie Hartzell
 
- Iona's lead in the all-time series is extended to 37-27.
- McIver led Rider with 12 points, reaching double figures for the eighth time this season.
- Okechukwu scored double digits for the sixth time this season, adding 11.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider shot 33.9% (20-59) from the field, and 10.0% from three (2-20). The Gaels shot 42.2% (27-64) from the field and 45.8% (11-24) from three.
- The Broncs had 10 assists on their 20 made baskets, led by four from McIver.
- Rider held a 42-40 rebounding edge, including a 13-10 advantage on the offensive boards. McIver led Rider with nine rebounds.
 
Up Next
The Broncs are back in action New Year's Day. Tipoff against Merrimack in Alumni Gym is scheduled for 2 p.m.