Iona Aims to Rebound Against Mount Saint Mary’s in Nonconference Finale EMMITSBURG, Md. (Interstat) — The Iona Gaels look to shake off an overtime loss and close their nonconference schedule on a high note when they visit the Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers in women’s basketball Sunday at Knott Arena. Iona (7-3) enters having dropped two straight, including a 64-58 overtime defeat to Sacred Heart at home on Friday. The Gaels had won five consecutive games prior to the recent skid. Mount Saint Mary’s (5-5) arrives with momentum after a 66-59 home victory over Marist, also on Friday, which snapped a two-game losing streak. A key focus for the Gaels will be rediscovering their offensive rhythm after scoring 58 and 57 points in the two losses. Guard Isabellah Middleton has been a consistent bright spot, leading Iona with 20 points in 24 minutes off the bench against Sacred Heart. Over her last seven games, the sophomore is averaging 12.1 points per contest, including a 19-point, 8-rebound performance in a win over Illinois-Chicago on Nov. 29. The Mountaineers have shown resilience at home, improving to 4-1 at Knott Arena with the win over Marist. Their defense has been pivotal, holding three of their last four home opponents to 59 points or fewer. Guard play will be critical for the Mount, which has seen contributions across the roster, including from Wesleigh Ferguson, Gabrielle Kennerly and Jaedyn Jamison in the recent victory. Iona holds the edge in season record, but Mount Saint Mary’s has proven formidable on its home floor. The Gaels will need to counter the Mountaineers’ defensive pressure and find scoring beyond Middleton to avoid a third consecutive loss before Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play begins next week. For Mount Saint Mary’s, protecting home court against a team with a winning record would provide a significant boost heading into their Northeast Conference schedule. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon. Iona opens MAAC action at home against Rider on Dec. 29, while Mount Saint Mary’s begins NEC play at Merrimack the same day.