Iona played Quinnipiac in the opener of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season yesterday, losing 68-89.

The first MAAC opener of the Geriot era was a game of two halves. The first half of the game was a competitive affair between the Gaels and Bobcats, with them trading baskets and runs. This was reflected in the score, with the score being 36-34 in favor of the Bobcats at halftime.

The second half of the game, however, saw the Gaels falter. Forced turnovers and missed shots, followed by a lack of defense in transition, saw the Bobcats pull away. A 14-4 run in the middle of the second half sealed the game for the Gaels, with the closest they would cut the deficit to being nine.

If a Gaels fan is to take anything away from this game, it would be the play of Lamin Sabally. The senior forward from Berlin was able to put the team on his back in a sense, scoring a game-high 27 points and grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds. Sabally was able to score in the paint consistently and was able to get to the charity stripe 13 times. The only other two Gaels to score in double-figures that game were Keshawn Williams and CJ Anthony, both with 10 points.

The Gaels look to bounce back in their next game, which is on Dec. 7 when the Gaels travel to Fairfield, Connecticut to take on the Sacred Heart Pioneers.