NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College men’s basketball team scored 19 straight points early in the first half to pull away from Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference leading Monmouth in front of the largest crowd in the history of the Multipurpose Activities Center. The Gaels gained a game on the Hawks in the league standings in the convincing 83-67 road victory.
Senior A.J. English led all scorers with 31 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field, 5-for-10 from distance and 8-for-8 from the charity stripe. He added seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. With Monmouth seeking a comeback effort in the second half, English scored 19 of his 31 points in the frame including three rally killing three-pointers in a 3:24 span in the final eight minutes of the frame.
Graduate Aaron Rountree chipped in a career-high 13 points while recording six rebounds, three blocks, to assists and a steal. Sophomore Deyshonee Much had 11 points and five rebounds, while junior Jordan Washington added 10 points and six boards for the Gaels.
Monmouth leading scorer Justin Robinson posted 21 points and eight rebounds to lead the Hawks. Sophomore Austin Tilghman had 15 points while rookie Micah Seaborn added 12 in the loss
Iona shot 46.3% from the field and held Monmouth to just 30.7%, the lowest field goal percentage surrendered of the season. Iona held a 44-42 advantage on the boards.
The Gaels are back in action Monday night at Siena.