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Iona Wins Ninth Straight, Plays Saint Peter's in MAAC Final for NCAA Bid

Mar 7, 2011

Tim Cluess and his Iona Gaels had a stretch in the middle of their conference schedule in which they lost four games by a total of 11 points. 

It looked like a promising 7-1 start to the conference season would fade away.

Then the Gaels won their last six conference games and dominated the "Bracketbuster" Game at Liberty by 20, to finish 21-10 on the year and second in the MAAC at 13-5.

Now, the Gaels have won two games in the MAAC Tournament with wins Friday night against Siena 94-64 and Rider 83-59. 

Now, the Gaels have a chance to win the conference title and a chance to win a bid into the NCAA tournament on Monday night in the MAAC title game in Bridgeport, CT.

Of course, Saint Peter's is a remarkable story themselves with wins over Canisius Saturday and a monumental 62-48 win over Fairfield on the Stags' home court in the first game on Sunday.  

Iona went out to a fast 11-4 against Rider on two three-point shots from senior guard Rashon Dwight, an inside basket and foul shot by junior forward Mike Glover and a lay-up by sophomore guard Kyle Smyth.

With 8:52 left, Rashon Dwight made another three-point shot to put the Gaels ahead by ten at 27-17. Rashon had 14 points in the half, leading Iona.

Brandon Peen of Rider made the last score of the half to bring the Broncs within eight at 38-30.

In the second half, Iona went on a run with 15:05 left on a three-point shot by Rashon Dwight, two by Jermel Jenkins and an inside play by Mike Glover to go up by 14 points at 58-44. Later, the Gaels went on a 10-1 run on a three-point shot by Jermel Jenkins, six inside points and a foul shot by sophomore Chris Pelcher to take a 78-57 lead. 

Coach Tim Cluess then cleared his bench and the final was a 24-point margin, in a 83-59 win.

Jermel Jenkins came off the bench to score 20 points for Iona on six three point shots and 7 of 13 from the field.

Rashon Dwight had 19 points and Mike Glover had 12 along with eight rebounds.

Scott Machado had seven points and 12 assists.

Novar Gadson led Rider with 19 points, while Justin Robinson had 16 points and a number of excellent defensive plays for the Broncs.

Iona plays Saint Peter's for the MAAC Tournament title and the all important appearance in the NCAA tournament tonight at 7 PM in Bridgeport, CT.   

Ken Kraetzer covers Iona basketball and West Point football for WVOX 1460 AM in New Rochelle, NY. Reach him on kgk914@aol.com.

Tim Cluess' Hiring As Head Coach Is the Key to Iona Basketball's Great Season

Mar 7, 2011

Ever since they made the NCAA tournament in 2006, the Iona Gaels basketball team has been on a real adventure.

Iona started this roller coaster adventure with a massive drop in 2007 after making the tournament the year before. Iona finished the season with an abysmal 2-28 record to finish last overall in the MAAC.

After Jeff Ruland was dismissed from his job in 2007, Iona started to rebound under Kevin Willard during his first two seasons as head coach.

In Willard's third and final season, the Gaels were able to get a bye to the quarterfinals of the MAAC tournament, and Willard was named coach of the year in the MAAC.

However, Willard left Iona to become the head coach of Seton Hall University and forced Iona to make another choice for the head coaching position.

But just a week later, Iona decided to go to Long Island to choose its next head coach, and Tim Cluess was hired as the 12th head coach in the history of Iona College.

Even though he never coached a game in Division I basketball, Cluess had an amazing career on Long Island as the head coach of Division II C.W. Post.

With C.W. Post, Cluess was able to claim two East Coast Conference titles in five years on the job. Cluess was also able to help C.W. Post reach the Elite Eight in 2009 after winning the first 30 games for the Pioneers.

For Iona, this move made a whole lot of sense. Cluess was able to have success at every stop he has been at in both the high school and collegiate levels on Long Island.

Cluess also was not a big-name coach, but instead was suited to coach a small school.

With an enrollment number just over 4,000, Iona is one of the smallest schools that could make the 2011 NCAA tournament.

Iona has registered only one win in the NCAA tournament. That win happened under the legendary Jim Valvano in 1980 when Iona beat Holy Cross, 84-78 before losing to Georgetown, 73-71 in the second round.

With a collegiate community that small, having a coach such as Cluess, who is from the local area and has mainly dealt with small schools throughout his coaching history, is a massive benefit for the Gaels basketball program.

Cluess has done a fantastic job and has gotten help from two key upperclassmen in Mike Glover (a.k.a Optimus Prime) and Scott Machado (the nation's leader in assists).

Iona has also been the highest-scoring team in the MAAC and could be a potential bracket buster should they reach the NCAA tournament.

Earlier in the season, Iona hung tough against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, when the Orange were still undefeated.

And considering how well Iona played at the end of the season, should the Gaels reach the tournament, they will cause a buzz at the very least.

But without question, Iona would not be in this situation without the signing of Cluess last April.

And with Siena experiencing a coaching change last season and the loss of several key seniors this season, the MAAC will be wide open for any team in the conference to take a strangle hold of for the next several seasons.

If Iona is able to beat Saint Peter's College tonight in the MAAC Championship Game, it could potentially begin a dynasty over the MAAC, just like when the Gaels reached the NCAA tournament in three of four seasons between 1997-98 and 2000-01.

Iona and Fairfield Dominate Saturday Night at the MAAC

Mar 6, 2011

Fairfeld Coach Ed Cooley has talked quite a bit about reaching the MAAC Final on his home court.  It could happen as both Fairfield and Iona looked impressive closing out the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference quarterfinals in Bridgeport, CT Saturday night.

Fairfield defeated Marist 55-31 behind the offense of sophomore guard Derek Needham who had 22 points and added six steals on the night.  Needham shot 8 of 17 from the field and made 4 of 9 three-point attempts.  Fairfield held a 27-13 lead at the half although only shooting 38.5 percent and finishing at 40.7 percent for the entire game. 

Iona had a dominating performance from junior transfer Mike Glover who had 31 points in their 94-64 win over Siena.  Glover demonstrated a powerful inside game making 12 of 18 field goals, many of which were dunks or lay-ups from very close in.  The Bronx native added 7 of 9 from the line and registered a double-double by virtue of 11 rebounds. 

In earlier action, Saint Peter's defeated Loyola 70-60 in overtime and in the late game Rider defeated Canisius 79 to 64.  This sets up match-ups for Sunday afternoon semi-finals in Bridgeport of Saint Peter's (18-13) playing Fairfeld (24-6) and Rider (23-9) taking on Iona (21-10).  This follows the tournament seedings.

Iona went out to as much as a 10 point first half lead as Glover scored 16 of Iona's first half 37 points.  Sophomore Kyle Smyth showed the Bridgeport crowd his highly accurate three-point shot in making two of three, three pointers.  Glover also had eight rebounds as the Gaels out rebounded Siena 19-13.  At the break, Iona held a 37-31 lead.

In the second half, Iona went on an offensive tear scoring 57 points. Early on Siena cut the deficit to three on a jumper by freshman Rakeem Brookins, but then the Gaels went on a 12-0 run lead by a jumper by Glover, a three-point shot by point guard Scott Machado and a lay-up by senior guard Rashon Dwight.

With 12 minutes left, Iona went on another run started by two three-point shots from Kyle Smyth, followed by a dunk and layup by Glover to give the Gaels a 68-47 lead with 10:22 to go.  Siena did not seriously challenge after that.

A tough last game for Seina senior Ryan Rossiter, the MAAC Conference Player of the Year, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

More action at the MAAC Tournament Sunday afternoon as Saint Peters and Rider seek to upset the two top seeds, Fairfield and Iona for berths in Monday nights title game and the opportunity to earn a trip to the NCAAs.   

Ken Kraetzer covers Iona College basketball and West Point football for WVOX 1460 AM and WVOX.com in New Rochelle, NY.  He can be reached on kgk914@aol.com.

Iona, Fairfield, Rider Gain Friday Night MAAC Wins

Feb 26, 2011

The race for second place in the MAAC narrowed to Iona and Rider, as Iona defeated St. Peter's 73-59 in Jersey City.  Rider won over Marist 80 to 64, while Fairfield won its 15th conference game 68-55 over Siena in Bridgeport. 

On "Senior Night" for St. Peter's, Iona broke a 10-10 start with a nine-point run with two inside baskets by junior forward Mike Glover, who finished the game with nine points and 11 rebounds.  Freshman Sean Armand came off the bench to do what he does so well, contribute instant offense with a three-point shot, a layup and two free throws to spark the Gaels to a 15-point lead, 31-17, with 7:10 left in the half. 

Armand had seven of his eight points in the first half.  Saint Peter's Yvon Raymond made two layups, a dunk and a free throw to bring the Peacocks within six at the half, 37-29. 

Iona's second shooting guard Kyle Smyth got the Gaels off to a fast start in the second half with two quick three-point shots as Iona went on a 10-2 run, taking a 47-31 lead with 16:39 remaining.  Smyth continued to demonstrate an accurate jump shot hitting five of seven from the field, including four three pointers, finishing as the high scorer for the Gaels with 14 points. 

Alejo Rodriquez had another strong game for the Gaels.  He made three inside field goals to help advance the Gael lead to 21 at 54-33 with 13:26 remaining.  Rodriquez, coming back from injuries and offseason surgery on his hip, had eight points and 13 rebounds on the night. 

Jermel Jenkins came off the bench to score nine of his 12 points down the stretch to give Iona a 24-point lead with 3:14 to play.   Darius Conley had 13 points for Saint Peter's and Jeron Belin was the high scorer in the game adding 15 points and 10 rebounds coming off the bench.

St. Peter's is now 17-12 on the season and falls to fourth place in the MAAC with an 11-6 record. Iona point guard Scott Machado, who went into the game leading the NCAA in assists per game at 7.5, slightly better than the 7.5 of Aaron Johnson of UAB, demonstrated his "Dribble Drive" to the basket, scoring 10 points and adding five assists and seven rebounds on the night. 

Iona, now 19-10 on the year and 12-5 in the MAAC, gets set to host Fairfield in New Rochelle on Sunday afternoon.  

In front of 5,287 in Bridgeport, Yorel Hawkins led Fairfield with 13 points and seven rebounds and Lyndon Jordan added 10 points off the bench in Fairfield's 68-55 win over Siena.  Colin Nickerson added five steals in the Stags' 23rd victory of the season against five losses and a MAAC leading 15-2 conference record.  

6'9" Siena senior center Ryan Rossiter, the conference leader in points per game with 18.6 and rebounds per game at 13.4, was held slightly below his season averages with 16 points and 13 rebounds on the night. 

In Poughkeepsie, Rider was led in its 80-64 win at Marist by Novar Gadson, who had 24 points and 12 rebounds.  The Broncs had four players in double figures on the game with Jonathan Thompson at 16 points, Mike Ringgold with 14 and Danny Stewart adding 13.   Marist, finishing out a disappointing season, was led by Sam Prescott with 18 points, Dorvell Carter with 14 and Devin Price contributed 13. 

Rider, now 21-9 on the year and 12-5 in the MAAC, is tied with Iona in second place in the conference standings.  The Broncs will host St. Peter's at home on Sunday afternoon. 

The top of the conference standings after Friday night action: 

Fairfield         15-2

Iona              12-5

Rider             12-5

Saint Peter's  11-6

Loyola           10-7

Canisius        8-9

Siena            7-10

Niagara         4-13

Marist           3-14

Manhattan     3-14 

The top six teams enjoy a bye in the first round of the MAAC tournament, which will be held next weekend in Bridgeport, Connecticut.   

Ken Kraetzer covers West Point football and Iona basketball for WVOX 1460 and WVOX.com in New Rochelle, NY.  He can be reached on kgk914@aol.com.

Iona's Pat Lyons Named Athletic Director at Seton Hall

Feb 25, 2011

It is great to see smart, hard-working, good people move ahead, even if they will not be as close.  That is certainly how many in the Iona community feel about the departure of Pat Lyons, the Athletic Director at Iona College in New Rochelle the past seven years to the Big East and the Director of Athletics and Recreational Services position at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.      

The announcement was made on February 22nd by Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban, University President, and Patrick Hobbs, Dean of the Law School.  Commented Dean Hobbs:

"In Patrick Lyons, Seton Hall has found an athletic director dedicated to the University's Catholic mission and to the development of our student athletes as servant leaders of the future," Esteban said.  "Patrick's outstanding accomplishments throughout his career promise even greater achievements for Seton Hall's athletic department and our participation in the BIG EAST Conference."

"I am absolutely delighted that Pat is joining us at Seton Hall," Hobbs said.  "Pat has done a remarkable job at Iona.  He's a proven leader who has brought their programs and facilities up to the major conference level.  Pat helped build a tradition of winning and integrity in New Rochelle and will bring that same passion to transform Seton Hall in years to come."

At Iona, Pat Lyons supervised the rebuilding of the men's basketball program after the departure of Jeff Ruland, by hiring first Kevin Willard and then Tim Cluess.  Willard left last spring to take over the head coaching job at Seton Hall.  The Gaels were 21-10 last year under Willard and are currently 18-10 this season and contending for postseason play.

Probably the more difficult task has been serving as the head of the Gaels' 21 NCAA Division I athletics programs.  Pat demonstrated leadership in attracting students, coaches, and resources.  He has directed them wisely.  Several Iona teams have been nationally or conference competitive:

  • The men's cross country team enjoyed extraordinary national success achieving its second straight national runner-up finish in November 2008 at the NCAA Championship.  The program has competed with the best programs in the country and finished in the top 10 at the national championship in each of the last nine years.  The team has won an unprecedented 20 straight MAAC titles, the second-longest active streak of its type in the NCAA. 
  • The women's basketball programs has enjoyed its best five-year stretch in its history and have made three postseason appearances in the last four seasons. 
  • The women's cross country team has won five straight MAAC Championships.
  • The softball program reached the NCAA Championship for the first time in 2010.
  • The men's soccer program won the MAAC Regular Season Championship in 2009 and again reached the MAAC finals in 2010. 
  • The volleyball team made the NCAAs in 2004 and reached the MAAC finals in 2010. 
  • Iona's women's lacrosse and women's water polo programs has enjoyed recent success in 2009-10.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Seton Hall University athletics department," said Patrick Lyons. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of furthering the department and helping to establish it as one of the most respected programs both in the BIG EAST and at a national level. I also look forward to building on the legacy and tradition of Seton Hall Athletics."

"I cannot thank Br. Liguori, my athletics staff, coaches, student-athletes and our alumni and supporters enough for the support they have provided me during my time at Iona," Lyons added. "I've had an incredible experience in New Rochelle since I arrived as a freshman and I'm truly grateful for everyone I have encountered along the way."

Accomplishments by Pat Lyons and Iona in the areas of fundraising and campus athletic facilities were sited by Seton Hall in their decision:

  • The Iona Gaels Capital Improvements Fund was created by Lyons as the first capital fundraising effort in the department's history. 
  • Success of fundraising activities, such as the Athletic Department's Goal Club, the annual golf tournament and sponsorships.
  • The opening of the Hynes Athletics Center and the Judge Student-Athlete Academic Center in January of 2006. 
  • The complete renovation of the varsity locker rooms—where each program now has its own space for the first time in school history.
  • Video screening room added for athletic programs.
  • Resurfacing of both the Hynes Center basketball/volleyball arena floor and the surface of Mazzella Field, home of the soccer and lacrosse programs.
  • Creation of the  Rice Oval Softball field, the first on-campus home for the softball program.

Vital to an athletic director today is keeping the program operation within the standards of NCAA regulations.  One of the jobs, Pat Lyons held at Iona prior to being named AD was Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance.  He also coordinated Iona's NCAA certification process from start to finish, a sometimes painful process to meet NCAA and Title IX standards.

Another element very important in college sports marketing noticeable in Iona's program is improvements in the athletic department's website and presentation of digital video.  Iona's website now features game action and postgame coach's highlights. 

Pat Lyons, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, starred in ice hockey at Iona as an undergraduate, where he scored 80 goals and 90 assists during an 86-game career.  After graduation, Pat joined the Iona athletic department coaching the golf team to three MAAC Championships and trips to the NCAA Golf Championships.  He earned a master's degree in teaching from Iona and earned an MBA from the Hagan School of Business in 2004. 

Seton Hall described the job Lyons did at Iona as "Established its department as one of the top programs in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.  Lyons is expected to start at Seton Hall at the end of March.

Sometimes you don't realize how someone has quietly advanced educationally and built a career.  Pat Lyons had a great undergraduate athletic career, earned two master's degrees, held positions in coaching, compliance and fundraising.  He rebuilt a basketball program, hired two successful head coaches, managed through an NCAA certification and provided leadership that allowed a small college's athletes to succeed well above expectations. 

Iona will miss the presence of a favorite son, but be proud of his advancement to another responsibility in the world.  As with other overachievers who cultivated at the New Rochelle campus, Iona's Christian Brothers will look forward to watching his continued success.  Very smart hiring decision by Seton Hall.   

Ken Kraetzer covers West Point football and Iona basketball for WVOX 1460 AM and WVOX.com. He can be reached at kgk914@aol.com.

Iona Dominates Liberty 77-57, MAAC Wins Nine Of Ten Bracketbuster Contests

Feb 20, 2011

Sometimes teams can get on a roll playing on the road, they appear to be on a precise mission, not acting like wide-eyed tourists.

The Iona Gaels displayed that focused look Saturday, winning their third straight road game 77-57 against Liberty in the Sears Bracketbuster game played in Lynchburg, Va. 

The Gaels were led by the 17 points of sophomore guard Kyle Smyth from River Edge, N.J., who made 6 of 10 from the field including five three-point shots.

Junior forward Michael Glover from the Bronx provided another strong inside game with 12 points and 11 rebounds. 

Junior point guard Scott Machado from Queens had 11 assists along with 10 points, guiding the Gaels up-tempo offense. Machado went into the game with the second-best average for assists per game in the NCAA. 

Junior Jermel Jenkins from Union, N.J., made two three-point shots in the early going to help the Gaels go out to a 10-3 lead. Jenkins started in place of senior Rashon Dwight, who did not play because of the flu. 

Senior forward Alejo Rodriguez from Manhattan made six points on two layups and a dunk as the Gaels went on a 11-0 run going to a 26-9 lead with 7:43 left in the first half.  

Rodriguez made all seven of his shots from the field on the afternoon for 14 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added two blocks.  He has displayed great energy and aggressiveness under the backboard in recent games for the Gaels.

Junior Trinity Fields from Queens, N.Y., played 16 minutes at guard, contributing eight points, including two straight three-point shots at the end of the first half, as Iona advanced to a 26 point half time lead at 44-18 lead.

Freshman Sean Armand from Brooklyn again came off the bench to give the Gaels eight first half points on two three-point shots and two free throws. 

In the second half, two Kyle Smyth three-point jump shots and a Machado layup gave the Gaels a 60-31 lead with 12:25 left to play in the game. 

The Flames narrowed the Iona lead to 18 by going on an 11-0 run capped by an Evan Gordan three-point shot to make it 60-42 with 8:25 left to play. 

Iona responded with their own 8-3 run highlighted by a dunk by Rodriguez, jump shots by Machado and Smyth, and a tip-in by Glover to go back out to a 71-48 lead with 4:30 left in the game.

Liberty was led by guard Jesse Sanders with 13 points, guard Evan Gordon with 12 and, coming off the bench, guard David Manaya had 10. Guard John Brown had 12 rebounds and nine points along with three assists and three steals.

On the day, Iona shot 54.4 percent compared to the Flames 45 percent.  On three-point shots, the Gaels had a big edge, making 11-of-22 vs. the Flames 4-of-14.  The Gaels also dominated rebounds early, finishing with 34-24 advantage. 

Iona Coach Tim Cluess was asked by ESPN analyst Mark Adams about the Gaels game plan to "Speed it up" and the play of Machado:

"We did a great job in the first half, got bogged down a little bit in the second half.  When Scott is pushing the ball up the floor, it all looks easy for us. 

"He gets us going, our whole system flowing.  He doesn't know how valuable he is to us; I am trying to educate him on that."

Machado responded to Adams question on how he was able to get 11 assists in the game: "I was just trying to get my teammates the ball at open times, and let them make the shots." 

On how Machado and the Gaels need to prepare for the stretch run of the season he said, "Listen to the coach, push the ball, playing defense, keep rebounding the way we are, and keep making shots. It's coming down to the end; all the games are getting harder."

Saturday was a good day for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which won nine of 10 Bracketbuster contests:

Fairfield 76 - Austin Peay 69

Boston University 70 - Canisius 62

Niagara 61 - Central Michigan 55

Manhattan 64 - Stony Brook 63 OT

Saint Peter's 71 - Loyola of Chicago 67

Rider 95 - Delaware 86

Loyola (MD) 75 - Towson 57

Siena 71 - Maine 60

Marist 58 - New Hampshire 49

The Gaels are now 18-10 overall on the season and tied for second place at 10-5 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with Rider and Saint Peter's.

Iona finishes the regular season with games next Friday at Saint Peter's and their Senior Day at home against Fairfield.

Scott Machado Leads Iona Gaels Into Bracket Buster Matchup with Liberty Flames

Feb 18, 2011

Scott Machado is developing a reputation as not only the best guard in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, but one of the best guards in the east.  The junior point guard scored 20 points against Manhattan Wednesday night in Iona's 102-65 win, and he is currently the Division I leader in assists with 7.5 per game.

Iona, now 17-10 on the season and 11-5 in the MAAC, is back on a roll with four straight wins over the past two weeks, including road wins at Manhattan and Marist and home victories against the Jaspers and Siena.  Prior to that, the Gaels had lost four straight by a total of 11 points. 

Iona is playing up tempo basketball and often applies full court pressure on its opponents.  This strategy has been backed up by solid shooting, which was on display at Manhattan where the Gaels shot 67 percent from the field, including 16 of 27 three-point shots (59 percent).

Perhaps the difference factor for the Gaels is the confidence Machado projects as he brings the ball up the floor. He is averaging 13.9 points and is constantly looking to set up his teammates for inside cuts or outside jump shots.  If not guarded closely at the top of the key, Machado will take the three-point shot or cut down the lane.

Machado's favorite targets for passes are backcourt partners Rashon Dwight (8.1 PPG), Kyle Smyth (10.1 PPG including 60 three-pointers) and Jermel Jenkins, who is coming off the bench the second half of the season and providing just under 10 points per game.  

Junior transfer 6'7" Mike Glover has been making his presence felt under the boards, scoring an average of 18.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.  As many of his shots are dunks or putback shots under the glass, he is averaging 61 percent from the field.  Importantly, Glover has been moving with the ball to the basket, generating fouls and displaying considerable energy on defense.

Sean Armand has continued to provide instant offense for the Gaels, as he provided 13 first-half points for the Gaels Wednesday night, including three of four three-point shots made.  

The Liberty Flames (19-9 overall, 13-3 Big South) come into the Sears Bracket Buster game Saturday off a 79-69 loss at VMI Tuesday night on the Keydets' Senior Day, giving up 14 three-point baskets.

The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU starting at 3 p.m. The two teams have played once before in New Rochelle on Dec. 20, 1997 when the Gaels won 84-68.  The game will be played at the 8,085-seat Vives Center in Lynchburg, VA where a capacity crowd is expected.

Big South Player of the Week Evan Gordon is at point guard for Liberty. The 6'2" sophomore leads the Flames in scoring with 15.0 points per game on the year and has 48 steals.  Guard Jess Sanders averages 11.0 points per game and 6'4" junior guard/forward John Brown averages a double-double on the season with 11.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.  On top of those impressive stats, he has 50 steals on the season.   

The Flames' inside game is led by 6'6" Junior David Minaya, who averages 11.0 points per game along with 6'10" freshman center Joel Vander Pol, who averages 4.1 points and has 21 blocks.

Flames head coach Dale Layer describes Iona as, "Really, really good. Extremely athletic, balanced, coming off four wins in a row, great inside play, great guard play, they are experienced."

Playing in front of a big road crowd against a 19-9 Liberty team could be considered a tough draw for the Gaels, but it is an opportunity for them to demonstrate to a national audience on ESPNU how good a team it has become playing the fast-tempo style under first-year coach Tim Cluess.

Ken Kraetzer covers West Point football and Iona College basketball for WVOX 1460 AM and WVOX.com in New Rochelle, NY and Sons of the American Legion Radio.  He can be reached on kgk914@aol.com   

Iona improved on the season to 15-10 and 9-5 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference holding off a last minute challenge by Siena to win 69-65 in New Rochelle on Friday night...
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