After a trip to the NCAA Tournament, the Iona Gaels Men’s Basketball team has opened up the season in fashion after defeating Denver at home as they continue to be competitive throughout the first five games of the 2012-2013 season.

A homecoming game for the Iona Gaels to open up their new season couldn’t have given them a better reason to start off as strong as they have. The Gaels led Denver 40-17 in the first half and dominated them in many offensive categories. However, Iona did not finish as strong as they started even though they defeated Denver 65-58.

Senior guard Lamont “Momo” Jones recorded 20 points and seven assists in 40 minutes. Junior guard Sean Armand recorded 19 points and two assists in 24 minutes.

A strong start was exhibited by the Gaels as they continued their season to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands for USVI Paradise Jam.

In their first game of the event, the Gaels were defeated by Quinnipiac in an overtime effort (98-92). It was a well fought game by Iona as they managed a comeback towards the end of both halves to keep the game tied. The largest deficit Iona suffered was eight points (64-72) with 2:52 left in the second half. The Gaels flipped the switch to make a 15-7 comeback as Jones made the three-point shot to tie the game 79-79 with four seconds left on the clock.

Jones had his highest scoring effort of the season with 40 points in 43 minutes.

Coming off a well fought overtime loss, Iona was strong and determined as they entered their game against Wake Forest. The thirty points off nineteen turnovers was one major factor of why Iona defeated Wake Forest (94-68). A win over a major conference team, such as Wake Forest from the ACC, represents the type of success the Gaels have and the type of level they can play in. This can be great motivation for a team who has an eye on making the NCAA tournament for a second straight season.

Armand led Iona in its winning effort over Wake Forest by recording 28 points, six assists and five rebounds in 33 minutes. Jones contributed with 21 points, six assists and four rebounds in 30 minutes.

The Gaels finished 1-2 in the USVI Paradise Jam as they were defeated by Illinois-Chicago following their win over Wake Forest. With a 2-2 overall record, they entered their first conference game of the season against Niagara.

Iona defeated Niagra (83-72) to open up their conference schedule. Jones recorded 12 points and five assists in 28 minutes. Armand continued his consistent season as he dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. He also had 18 points and five assists in 38 minutes. Sophomore guard Tavon Sledge continues to be a pest for the opposition as he had four steals (10 season total) and is averaging two steals per game.

Jones leads the team with 23.0 ppg, and Armand is fierce from long distance as he is 19 for 36 (.528 3pt percentage). Iona leads their opponents in most categories except assists: they have 75 and opponents have 76. However, it seems Iona has a good thing going in their strong start in the first five games of the season.