Women’s Basketball Falls at Iona, 52-43

Sunday, November 18

New Rochelle, N.Y.

1 p.m.

George Washington University

1-3

Iona

1-3

George Washington

Iona College

11/18/2018 3:50:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Colonials unable to sustain hot start

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – GW women's basketball rode a wave of momentum early on Sunday afternoon at Iona, playing in front of a large hoard of Buff and Blue fans supporting local products Mei-Lyn Bautista and Anna Savino. However, the Colonials were unable to maintain the mojo, falling 52-43 to the Gaels.

The duo didn't disappoint early on with Savino hitting a three on the opening possession and Bautista following moments later to give GW (1-3) a quick 9-2 start. The Colonials couldn't miss in the first quarter, going 10-of-13 from the floor with four triples. Bautista capped off the burst with a half-court shot at the buzzer to give GW a 26-15 edge after 10 minutes.

From there, though, GW was unable to create much on offense, connecting on just 8-of-35 (22.8 percent) shots over the final 30 minutes. Overall, the Colonials shot 37.5 percent (18-48) from the floor with all 10 players contributing at least one bucket. Bautista had a team-high eight points, all in the first half, while Neila Luma and Kayla Mokwuah chipped in seven a piece.

Despite the tough sledding on offense, GW's defense shined again as the Colonials led for over 31 minutes of the game. Iona used a 10-0 run to start the second quarter to get within one and set up a one-possession game for the next 25 minutes.

With the game tied at 40, senior Kelsi Mahoney drilled a three from the top of the key to put the Colonials up 43-40. Iona (1-3), though, would finish the game on a 12-0 run, taking the lead for good on a jumper from Monica Barefield with 1:54 remaining. GW had multiple three's rim out in ensuing positions, nullifying the Colonials' comeback attempt.

Morgan Rachu led Iona with 20 points with Barefield adding 11 points and four assists.

GW will now head south of the border for a pair of the games as part of the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The Colonials will face Georgia Tech on Thanksgiving at 4 p.m. and No. 16/17 NC State on Friday at 4 p.m.