NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College men’s basketball team earned its fourth straight win in a 75-61 victory at Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Gallagher Center. The Gaels built a 20-point halftime lead and hung on despite a tough shooting effort in the second half. With Siena falling earlier in the day, Iona has built a two-game cushion in the loss column in second place in the MAAC standings. The Gaels are a half-game behind conference leading Monmouth.
Senior Isaiah Williams led the Gaels with a 21-point, seven rebound effort in the win. Williams shot 7-for-12 for the game and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc in 32 minutes. Sophomore Deyshonee Much added 15 points and six boards while senior A.J. English had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Maroon & Gold. Junior Jordan Washington snapped an 18-game double-digit scoring streak but had nine points and 11 boards. Graduate Aaron Rountree posted five points, five rebounds, two assists and a career-high six blocked shots for the Maroon & Gold.
Niagara’s Justin Satchell led the home team with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double with a strong second half. He posted 10 points and eight boards in the final 20 minutes of the contest. Sophomores Emile Blackman and Matt Scott added 12 and 11 points respectively. Scott was a rebound shy of a double-double
The Gaels were out shot in the contest 39.3%-35.9% after shooting just 26.9% in the second half. Finish the frame by hitting four of its last six field goal attempts, Iona came out of the break shooting just 3-for-20 after converting 16 buckets in the first half. The Gaels made due with an 10-for-12 effort from the charity stripe during their cold stretch. The Maroon & Gold held a 43-38 rebounding edge.
Niagara pulled within nine points midway through the second half but did not get any closer.
Iona returns to the Hynes Center next weekend when they host Siena Saturday (Feb. 13) at 2:00 pm on ESPN3.
