The Iona men’s basketball team recorded their seventh straight victory as they took down Saint Peter’s University by a score of 73-53 on Feb. 19, on the road in New Jersey, improving their overall record to 20-7 and 13-3 in conference play.  

Iona currently sits in first place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. This is the 11th time in the last 14 seasons Iona has accomplished the 20-win feat and the 24th time in 78 seasons the Gaels have recorded 20 wins. 

Iona never trailed in their game against Saint Peter’s University. The Gaels led by as many as 24 points with 10:49 left to play. 

Sophomore, Anton Brookshire, led the team with 22 points, becoming the sixth different Gael to have a 20+ point effort this season. Nelly Junior Joseph posted his 17th double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  

Iona started their current win streak with two home victories against Quinnipiac University on Jan. 29 by a score of 78-72 and an 81-51 win over Mount St. Mary’s University on Feb. 3. Following these wins Iona set out on a three-game road trip.  

Iona secured the win over Fairfield University by a score of 70-61 on Feb.5, as they trailed for just one possession early in the first half. Junior, Daniss Jenkins, and Junior Joseph both scored 18, leading the team. Junior Joseph also led the team in rebounds recording 16. Sophomore Walter Clayton Jr, put up 13 points with two steals and a block during the win.  

The Gaels followed this up with an 80-59 win over Canisius College on Feb. 10. Iona outshot the Golden Griffins 64.7% to 37.7% and outrebounded them 32 to 22.  

Iona’s 64.7% field-goal percentage was the second highest in a single-game effort in the 21st century for the Gaels. Clayton Jr., senior Osborn Shema, and Junior Joseph posted 19 points, 16 points and 15 points respectively. Seven Gaels scored more than five points in the game.  

Wrapping up their trip to upstate New York, Iona beat Niagara University 72-55 on Feb. 12. Iona never trailed the contest, and they built a double-digit lead with seven minutes remaining. Clayton Jr. led the team in scoring with 30 points and Junior Joseph posted another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.  

Following this win, Iona was back at home on Feb. 17 as they battled local rival, Manhattan College. The Gaels led the entire contest on their way to a 71-60 victory. Clayton Jr. recorded 23 points, leading the team. Junior Joseph and Jenkins each recorded a double-double as Junior Joseph recorded 12 points and 17 rebounds with  Jenkins putting up 10 points with 10 assists. Shema was the fourth player for Iona to put up double-digit points as he recorded 10.  

Iona will have four more games before they begin the 2023 MAAC Championships. The Gaels will be on the road twice battling Mount St. Mary’s University on Feb. 24 and Rider  University on March 4. They will also play two home contests against Siena College on Feb. 26 and Marist College on March 2.  

The MAAC Championships start on March 8 and conclude with the championship game on March 11. Iona  currently sits ontop of the MAAC Conference regular season standings, two games ahead of second-place Siena College who are 17-5 overall and 11-5 in MAAC play. 

Iona will look to bounce back from their loss in the Quarterfinal Round to Rider University last season and achieve their sixth MAAC Championship over the last eight years.