Box Score New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College men's basketball team used a 29-7 run to open the game in cruising to a 92-68 win over Loyola in the MAAC season opener at the Hynes Center. The Gaels (2-6, 1-0 MAAC) won back-to-back games for the first time since the semifinal and MAAC Championship game in 2006.

"Our guys played great, they executed well and played tremendous defense, it was a great all-around effort tonight," said head coach Kevin Willard. "We've had a great two weeks of practice and came out focused tonight. Only good things can happen when we show that kind of intensity."

Iona scored eight of the games first nine points and led 14-7 with just over 13 minutes to play in the first half before opening up a 15-0 run over the next 4:18. The Maroon & Gold maintained its 20+ point advantage throughout the rest of the half.

Iona led 49-24 at the break with the assistance of a 20-of-29 shooting performance (69.0%) and a 17-7 rebound advantage. Freshman Rashon Dwight had 13 points to lead the Gaels in the first half.

"It's great we came out and defended our home court," said Dwight who netted a career-high 16 points in the contest. "The fans gave us the lift we needed against a very good and very well coached opponent. We're just happy we did not let them down."

Iona did not let up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Greyhounds scoreless for the first 5:15 of the frame. The Gaels led by 35 after sophomore De'Shaune Griffin's free throw at the 14:29 mark. The Gaels largest lead came on senior Dexter Gray's tough layup at 9:25 putting Iona ahead 69-33.

Gray had 18 points to lead the Gaels on an impressive 7-of-9 shooting from the field. Dwight and sophomore Milan Prodanovic each had 16 while junior Devon Clarke added 15 points off the bench in the win. Senior John Kelly had another solid effort grabbing a team best seven rebounds. Senior Kyle Camper had five assists for the fourth time this season.

Loyola's Gerald Brown had a game-high 31 despite shooting 7-of-20 from the field. He converted five three point field goals and 12-of-14 free throw attempts in the loss. Freshman Brian Rudolph added 11 points.

Iona has a quick day off before taking on Siena on the road on Sunday afternoon. The Gaels and Saints tip off at 2:00 pm at the Times Union Center.