NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College men's basketball team used a stingy defense in defeating Hampton 59-46 in non-conference action at the Hynes Athletics Center.  The Gaels (1-0) earned a victory over the Pirates (0-1) in its season opener with the help of a career-high 22 points from senior Gary Springer.

"It was a great team effort for our guys out there tonight," said head coach Kevin Willard.  "What I was most impressed with is how hard we played on the defensive end despite our offensive struggles."

The Gaels held Hampton to a 30.8% shooting percentage for the game including a stifling 22% in the second half.   The Pirates sunk just one of their 12 three-point attempts in the contest.

After the first half jitters saw the Gaels ahead 23-22 at the half, the Gaels pulled away early in the second half with the help of seven straight points by junior-transfer Jonathan Huffman.   Huffman netted all seven of his points in the game with a three ball from the wing and two pull up jumpers around the elbow.

"I think we were definitely a little anxious to get out there and start the season on a good note and it showed in the first half," said Huffman.  "I'm happy I was able to knock down some open jumpers and help the team to a win."

Springer was a force the entire game.  He shot 7-for-10 from the field and 8-for-10 from the charity stripe to account for his 22 points.  He matched classmate Devon Clarke with a team-leading seven rebounds.

Sophomore guard Rashon Dwight had a solid all-around effort, netting nine points while grabbing five rebounds and dishing out a team best five assists.  Iona's final returner from last year, junior Milan Prodanovic added seven points including two back breaking three pointers to go along with his three assists, no turnovers in a team-high 27 minutes.

In addition to Huffman, five other Gaels made their debut for Willard's squad.  Freshman point guard Scott Machado had five points and four assists, sophomore Kashif Pratt had four points including a monstrous dunk that got the 2,046 fans at the Hynes Center rocking.  Rookie guards Trinity Fields and Jermel Jenkins added two points a piece, but it was their solid effort on the defensive end that should be noted and was not accounted for on the stat sheet.

The Gaels are back in action next weekend when they take on No. 25/21 Wisconsin in the opening round of the 2008 US Virgin Island Paradise Jam in St. Thomas on Friday night.  Tip-off is slated for 8:30 pm Eastern Time.