NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Sophomore Deyshonee Much poured in a career-high 30 points and senior A.J. English was just one rebound shy of a triple-double in the Iona College men’s basketball team’s 84-66 win over Canisius in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Koessler Center. After dropping three of four contests, Iona has won three straight and trailed for just 2:33 in the last 120 minutes of play.
Much exploded for 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. He added three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 30 minutes. He was the recipient of six of English’s career-high 14 assists in the win. The senior guard added 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals in the all-around effort. Junior Jordan Washington had 13 points and six rebounds while graduate Aaron Rountree also had a career-high with 12 points in the win.
The Gaels shot an even 50.0% in the contest while holding the Golden Griffins to just 36.5% on the other end. Iona held a 39-35 advantage on the boards and had 20 assists with 12 three-point field goals made.
Canisius was led by 18 points apiece from senior Malcolm McMillan and sophomore Jermaine Crumpton. Senior Kevin Bleeker posted 10 boards to lead the home team.
The Gaels took the lead for good midway through the first half. Trailing 23-21, the Maroon & Gold scored 11 straight points and 16 of the games next 17 points to open up a 37-24 lead with 3:10 to play. Junior Taylor Bessick’s alley oop dunk from English in the final minute of the frame made the margin 43-29 at the break.
The Golden Griffins used a 13-4 run in the second half to close within six points with just under seven minutes to play, but Iona followed with an 11-2 run of their own to pull away for good.
The Gaels continue action in Western New York Sunday afternoon at Niagara at 2:00 pm.