ALBANY, NY — The Iona College men’s basketball team fell 79-69 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game to rival Manhattan at the Times Union Center. Senior David Laury and junior Kelvin Amayo each recorded double doubles in the loss.
Laury scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds and five assists. It was his 18th double-double of the season and 10th with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. Amayo posted 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the loss. Junior A.J. English and freshman Schadrac Casimir had 10 points each and junior Isaiah Williams recorded seven points and four boards. Laury, English and Williams were named All-Tournament for their performance in the three games this weekend.
Manhattan was led by double-doubles by seniors Ashton Pankey and Emmy Andujar. Pankey had 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Andujar posted 18 points and 11 boards. Senior Donovan Kates added 13 points while junior Shane Richards recorded 11 points and eight rebounds in the win.
The Jaspers held a 43.3%-39.0% shooting advantage and 41-34 on the boards. The difference in the game was the Gaels 5-for-22 effort from beyond the arc and Manhattan’s 18 points off nine Iona turnovers. Manhattan also had a 15-10 advantage in second chance points.
The Maroon & Gold await Selection Sunday (Mar. 15) to determine its next contest in postseason play.