Preview of Monday’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Game NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Iona Gaels look to rebound from a two-game skid when they host the struggling Rider Broncs in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup Monday at Hynes Center. Iona (7-4) enters the contest after consecutive road losses to Mount Saint Mary’s (65-55) and Sacred Heart (64-58 in overtime). The Gaels had won five of their previous six games prior to the recent setbacks. Rider (2-9) seeks to end a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 61-59 at Sacred Heart on Dec. 21. The game features a contrast in standout performers. Iona is led by Isabellah Middleton, who is coming off a dominant 22-point, 11-rebound double-double in the loss to Mount Saint Mary’s. Over her last five games, Middleton is averaging 13.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, providing consistent offensive production for the Gaels. For Rider, guard Alena Cofield has been a bright spot during the team’s difficult stretch. She is averaging 5.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists over the last five contests, including a nine-point, six-rebound, four-assist effort against Sacred Heart. She will need support from Aina Perez Mesquida, who posted 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks in that same game. Historically, Iona has controlled the series, winning the last 11 meetings. The teams will meet again in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on Jan. 22. The Gaels have been strong defensively at home, holding opponents to an average of 55.2 points in five games at Hynes Center this season. Rider has struggled offensively, failing to reach 60 points in eight of its 11 games. Following this contest, Iona opens the new year with a road game at Quinnipiac on Jan. 1. Rider returns home to host Merrimack on Jan. 1. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.