BURLINGTON, VT (December 20, 2025) — The Iona University men’s basketball team erased a 10-point second-half deficit to secure an 83-78 road win over Vermont at Patrick Gymnasium.
Toby Harris scored a season-best 26 points, including 21 in the second half, to lead the Gaels. Harris shot 7-for-10 from the floor, 2-for-3 from three-point range and went 10-for-10 at the free throw line after halftime while adding four rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench.
Keshawn Williams matched his season high with 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting, including two three-pointers, and grabbed five rebounds.
Denver Anglin contributed 14 points, with 12 coming in the first half, along with four rebounds and a steal. Anglin sealed the win with two free throws in the closing moments.
Kosy Akametu tallied 11 points, all in the second half, on 4-for-8 shooting with one three-pointer and two free throws while leading the team with six rebounds.
The Gaels led 32-22 in the first half following a turnaround hook shot from sophomore Khalil Badru, but Vermont closed the half on an 18-4 surge to take a 40-36 lead into the break.
Vermont stretched the margin to 59-49 with 12:08 remaining in the second half.
Harris began a run of 14 consecutive points for Iona, trimming the deficit to six. After a Vermont three-pointer, rookie Alliou Fall found Harris on a backdoor cut for a dunk.
Harris knocked down six straight free throws to pull Iona within three. The Gaels then responded with three straight baskets, including a driving layup by Akametu and consecutive jumpers from Williams, to take their first lead of the second half.
Harris hit back-to-back field goals, including a deep three-pointer that put the Gaels ahead 72-68 for good.
Vermont closed to a one-possession game with 11 seconds left, but Anglin’s free throws clinched the victory.
Iona shot 54.5 percent from the field overall and 71.4 percent in the second half. The Gaels held a 36-32 rebounding edge and won despite committing six turnovers to Vermont’s five.
For Vermont, Gus Yalden led with 24 points and seven rebounds, TJ Hurley added 16 points and nine rebounds, and Sean Blake contributed 12 points and four assists.
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.