Rocket women win Iona holiday classic

11/28/2010

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Toledo won the Iona Thanksgiving Classic Sunday with a 68-60 victory over host Iona College at the Hynes Athletic Center.

With the win, the Rockets improve to 3-3 on the season.

Sophomore Lecretia Smith posted her first collegiate double-double to lead the Rockets with 13 points and 10 rebounds and collect classic MVP honors. Joining Smith in double figures was senior Melissa Goodall with 15 points and three steals to also earn all-classic recognition. Junior Naama Shafir added 16 points and a game-high six assists, while sophomore Yolanda Richardson had nine points off the bench.

The Rockets broke the game open with a 12-0 run to stretch their lead to 25-14 with 8:04 remaining in the opening half. Goodall sparked the burst with a deep triple and a layup to establish a double digit cushion.

UT remained in control for the remainder of the half behind the strong play of Goodall and Shafir to hold a 31-23 lead at the intermission. The Rockets' duo combined to score 17 of the team's 31 points in the opening period.