NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A second half scoring drought plagued the Iona College men’s basketball team in an 86-73 defeat at Wofford in non-conference action at Ben Johnson Arena. Senior David Laury scored 23 points and junior A.J. English added 23 in the loss.
After a 42-39 Iona lead at the half, the two teams were tied at 52-52 with 14:41 to play. A John Swinton three-pointer on Wofford’s next possession put the home team ahead for good. The Terriers capped a 10-2 run over a 3:03 span to earn a 12-point advantage with 6:35 to play. Following a Laury layup at 12:34, the Gaels hit just one field goal over the next 9:48 and saw an 18-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining. Iona was just 1-for-11 from the field (6-for-10 from the line) with five turnovers during the pivotal stretch.
Laury shot 8-for-17 from the field, converting 2-of-3 three point attempts and 5-of-8 from the line. He added four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. English was 6-of-14 from the field with two three-pointers and an 8-for-8 effort from the free throw line. He posted three assists and a block. Rookie Schadrac Casimir had 10 points in 24 minutes of play.
Wofford’s Karl Cochran led four double-digit scorers 20 points, draining four three pointers. Lee Skinner had 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Gaels were outshot (53.6% – 46.8%) and out rebounded (32-23) in the contest. The two teams were even in the paint (26-26) and close with taking advantage of points off turnovers (14-10 Iona lead) but it was the second chance points where Wofford took the big advantage at 18-1.
The Maroon & Gold begins action in The Roundball Showcase on Friday when they travel to the ACC’s Wake Forest.
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