Box Score New Rochelle, NY- The Iona College men's basketball team used a solid first half performance on the offensive end and a strong defensive effort throughout in a 69-50 win over Saint Peter's in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at the Hynes Center. The Gaels (6-12, 2-4 MAAC) snapped a five-game losing skid in the victory.

Iona jumped all over the Peacocks (4-12, 1-5 MAAC) to begin the game, taking a 14-2 lead less than four minutes into the contest. Senior Kyle Camper and freshman Andre Tarver hit three pointers and senior Devon Clarke punctuated the run with a dunk to give Iona the early advantage. Saint Peter's went on a 11-2 run over the next four minutes to cut its deficit to three points at 12:46 but would not get any closer in the contest. Tarver's second three of the half put the Gaels up 11 points with 8:43 remaining in the half. The Maroon & Gold would surrender its double digit lead for two minutes the remainder of the way.

Both teams struggled to find a basket in the second half as Saint Peter's shot 7-for-21 (33.3%) and Iona was just 4-of-20. Iona tallied 19 points from the free throw line in the period converting 82.6% from the stripe.

Clarke had a team-best 15 points and eight rebounds. The senior was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field while connecting on 5-of-6 from the line. Camper had his second straight double-digit effort at home with 12 points and dished out five assists. Traver and classmate Rashon Dwight each tallied nine points in the win.

Saint Peter's freshman Wesley Jenkins - Dwight's high school teammate - led his squad with 15 points. Senior Todd Sowell added 12 points and 13 boards.

The Gaels held Saint Peter's to 33.3% shooting for the game and forced a season-high 30 turnovers with a highly effective full court press.

Iona completes its three-game homestand next Friday (Jan. 18) when they take on Fairfield. The game is slated to tipoff at 7:30 pm as a part of the doubleheader with the women's team. The Iona women take on Marist at 5:00 pm.