Box Score New York, NY- The Iona College men's basketball team held on to win a 62-60 nail-bitter against Manhattan at Madison Square Garden. Junior Gary Springer led the way with his second double-double of the season (18 points, 10 rebounds) in the victory for the Gaels (8-15, 4-7 MAAC). Sophomore Antoine Pearson netted 15 points for the Jaspers (8-13, 2-9 MAAC).

The Gaels came out firing as Springer opened the game with a tough two-point basket, which set the tone for the team's aggressive play. Springer finished the first half with 10 points and eight rebounds. Iona's defense from the backcourt tandem of De'Shaune Griffin and Rashon Dwight caused several Jasper turnovers.

“Our guards are great at causing havoc and turnovers, and it was pivotal tonight in setting the tempo,” head coach Kevin Willard said of his backcourt's defensive play.

The Gaels looked great heading in to the end of the first half, going on a 7-0 run to go up 29-22. However, the Jaspers wouldn't go away, as Pearson connected on a basket plus the foul with 40 seconds left to bring the halftime score to 29-25.

“They're a good team, but we'll let anyone back in the game with simple mistakes,” Coach Willard said.

Iona came out in the second half on a quick 4-0 run, on two lay-ups from Dwight, to push the lead back to eight. Just as it seemed time for the Maroon & Gold to pull away, Manhattan's Rashad Green connected on the three to cut into the Gaels' lead. Midway through the second half, Milan Prodanovic answered from downtown to put the team up 52-44.

Manhattan continued to fight cutting the lead to five points with 1:55 left in the game. Griffin tallied the team's final points by cruising through the lane to hit a lay up and put the Iona up 62-55. Pearson's three with 1:00 left pulled the Jaspers back within four. The Gaels struggled to hold on as the Devin Austin cuts back-door for a two hand jam, cutting the lead to two, with 26 seconds left in the game.

Senior Kyle Camper missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity, leaving the door open for the Jaspers to make a play. Still, Iona managed to hold on at the end to get their fourth conference victory. Tight defense on the final possession forced Manhattan into three tough opportunities before Prodanovic was able to poke the ball away as time expired.

“I'm just glad we pulled it out; we've worked too hard to let this one slip away,” said Willard. “It feels good to get the ?W'.”

Coach Willard seemed enthusiastic about the win at the Garden but didn't forget just who it was the Gaels managed to defeat.

“I've played here and coached here, but really it was a special moment for the kids. I told them to think about the players who've shared this stage, like a Larry Bird or a Michael Jordan,” said Willard. “This is hallowed ground.”

“The fact that we could get this win against our rival makes it even more special,” he added.

The Gaels look to keep the momentum in their favor this Friday, as the take on Saint Peter's in Jersey City. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm and can be seen live on ESPNU.