NEW ROCHELLE, NY (November 7, 2025) — Iona University opened the Dan Geriot era with a commanding 81-73 non-conference victory over Hofstra on Friday night at the Hynes Center, never trailing after a blistering 23-4 start.
Graduate guard CJ Anthony exploded for a career-high 24 points in his Maroon & Gold debut, shooting 5-of-6 from the field with four 3-pointers and going 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. Anthony added five assists and four rebounds.
The Gaels (1-0) built a 17-0 run early and led 35-12 after a three-point play by junior Kosy Akametu with 5:19 left in the first half. Iona took a 44-27 advantage into halftime.
Hofstra (0-2) cut the deficit to 50-41 with 13:52 remaining, but Iona answered with seven straight points, capped by sophomore Khalil Badru’s put-back dunk. The Gaels maintained a double-digit lead until the final minute.
Akametu finished with a career-high 14 points, senior Lamin Sabally added 11 points with a team-high eight rebounds, and graduate guard Keshawn Williams contributed seven points. Junior Denver Anglin recorded six points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
For Hofstra, freshman Preston Edmead led five players in double figures with 18 points. Former Iona players Biggie Patterson (16), Cruz Davis (13) and Silas Sunday (10) also scored in double digits, while Victor Onetu had 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds off the bench.
Iona shot 45.0% from the field and held Hofstra to 32.4% in the first half. The Gaels made eight of nine 3-pointers before halftime.
Iona travels to face UMKC on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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