This game was touted to be a tight match-up between #2 Iona and # Rider as both teams were riding decent winning streaks coming into the game. The Gaels from Iona were coming in on a eight game winning streak, led by Junior Guard Mike Glover who averages 18.3 ppg and 10.3 rpg. The Broncs from Rider were on a six game winning streak and have three starters averaging double digits points per game. I fully anticipated a close game between the two, but the excellent three point shooting from Iona made it too difficult for Rider to keep up.
From the opening tip-off of the game through the first ten minutes or so, it was a quick paced, back and forth type game. Teams were scoring on both ends with great ball movement and even better shooting. Guard Rashon Dwight from Iona started his day by shooting 4-4 from behind the arc and 5-6 from the field. Rider was able to keep up in the first half due to the guard play of Justin Robinson. Robinson was the floor general for this Broncs team and keep his team floating above water even when it seemed like Iona could not miss a shot. Robinson scored 14 points in the first half and his team only trailed by 8 at the end of the first half.
When the 2nd half got underway, it was more of the same story from the first half as Iona keep shooting from three point land and could not miss. The Gaels finished the day shooting 14-28 (50%) from behind the arc. The other big story that gets overlooked in this game because of the spectacular shooting was the fact that Iona did an outstanding job rebounding. The Gaels out rebounded the Broncs 40-23 by the end of the game. The final score was 83-59 and now the Gaels are one game away from winning the MAAC Conference Championship and one game away from punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
Check out the game tonight at 7PM on ESPN2 as #2 Iona will face #4 Saint Peters
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