Iavarone Breaks Single-Game Points Record in 86-63 Win Over Purchase

Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Purchase, NY| Junior Andrea Iavarone scored a career-best 39 points breaking the program's single-game points record on a program-best 19-24 shooting from the floor as the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's basketball team upended Purchase College, 86-63, on Wednesday night.

With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 4-7 (3-4 Skyline) on the year as the Panthers fall to 2-8 (1-4 Skyline).

SJC would get on the board first courtesy of an Iavarone layup less than a minute into the game and, despite being up 4-2 at the 8:08 mark, the Panthers sparked an 11-2 run to put the hosts ahead 13-6 minutes later. The Golden Eagles capped off the quarter with a 9-2 run to tie the score at 15.

A made layup by Juliana Cintron-Leonardo would give the Golden Eagles their first lead of the quarter (19-18) at 8:40, but Purchase responded with a 9-1 run to take a seven-point lead (27-20). Jackie Zizzo's three-pointer at 3:30 jumpstarted a 10-2 run to give SJC a three-point advantage (35-32) at the break.

Iavarone set the tone again in the third quarter with a made basket to extend the Golden Eagles' lead to 37-32. The Panthers tied the game at 41 after a Kayla Ortiz jumper with 5:16 to play in the frame, however, the Golden Eagles went on a 6-0 run to put themselves ahead by six (47-41). Purchase closed its deficit to five, 50-45, but SJC closed out the quarter with another 10-2 run to pull away from the Panthers 60-47.

Maintaining her momentum, Iavarone hit the first layup of the final quarter to further SJC's lead to 15 points but the Panthers would then close their deficit to 13 points (67-54). With 2:27 remaining in the game, SJC would hold its largest lead (84-60) before earning the 86-63 win.

In addition to Iavarone's program-best 39 points and 19 field goals the Miller Place, NY native was a force on the boards having collected 13 rebounds. Jennifer Gubell shot 7-for-11, including six three's, and tallied 20 points on the night. Zizzo added 13 points and tallied a career-best seven steals and six assists.

The Golden Eagles outshot their opponents 48.1%-40.3% from the field and even held advantages in rebounds 43-34 and points in the paint 44-8.

The Golden Eagles continue conference play on Saturday, January 7th when they travel to take on The Sage Colleges at 1:00pm. Live stats will be available here.