Williams shot 9-of-13 from the field and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. His six three-point field goals were one shy of his career-high. Senior David Laury recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds. It was his fourth straight 20+ point effort. Junior A.J. English had eight points, five rebounds and a game-high eight assists. He scored four of his eight points in the final minute, draining a huge three-pointer from the win 29 seconds left with the shot clock horn blaring and hitting one of two free throw attempts on the team’s final possession.
Canisius’ leading scorer Zach Lewis had 17 points with four rebounds and three assists. Jermaine Crumpton posted 13 points and four rebounds while senior Josiah Heath had 10 points in the loss.
The Gaels were outshot (50.8%-44.3%) and out rebounded 37-33 but held a 13-8 advantage on turnovers and a 15-4 advantage on points off those giveaways.
The game featured eight ties and 12 lead changes with 11 coming in the final 20 minutes. A see-saw first half saw Iona take an early eight point and then find themselves down nine points with 6:48 left in the frame. Junior Kelvin Amayo’s layup at the buzzer knotted the score at 43-43.
The largest lead for either team was six points after a steal and breakaway dunk by Williams at 16:47. After Lewis pulled the Griffs within three points with 15:01 to play, the game remained within one possession until English’ trifecta in the final 30 seconds.
The Gaels complete a three-game homestead at the Hynes Center vs. Fairfield Tuesday night (Jan. 13).