Box Score HAMPTON, VA - The Iona College men's basketball team held off Hampton in an 68-63 win in non-conference action at the HU Convention Center. Junior Alejo Rodriguez tallied 17 points and senior Jonathan Huffman added 14 in the win.

After trailing early, the Gaels (2-0) did enough on defense to hold off the Pirates (0-2) and keep the game close. A 7-0 run late in the first half put the Maroon & Gold up six points with 4:49 to play. Sophomore Jermel Jenkins three pointer from the corner capped the run as Iona took a lead it would never relinquish. On the half's final possession, the Gaels had a chance to go up by double digits but a turnover and a layup at the buzzer by Hampton's Mike Tuitt made the score 41-35 at the break.

Iona continued a strong defense to start the second half and scored the first eight points to gain a 14-point advantage. Huffman's three at the 14:38 mark made the score 49-35. Hampton finally got on the scoreboard in the second half on its next possesion and chipped away at the deficit. The Pirates' Jordan Brooks hit a three pointer to cut the margin to 61-60 with 5:33 left. Huffman answered right away with his third trifecta of the contest to put the Gaels back up by four points.   Freshman Kyle Smyth sealed the win with two free throws with less than three seconds to play in the 68-63 victory.

Rodriguez shot 7-of-8 from the field and was 3-for-6 from the free throw line including two key ones midway through the second half.  He matched a team high with five rebounds.   Huffman was 4-of-8 from the field and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Jenkins added nine points and rookie Mike McFadden had seven.   Sophomore Scott Machado had a team-best five assists to go along with his six points and five boards.   Senior Milan Prodanovic was held off the scoreboard but matched Machado and Rodriguez with five rebounds.

The Gaels out rebounded the Pirates 42-33 while holding their opponent to just 32.1% from the field.    Hampton's Charles Funches posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards in the loss.

Iona improved to 2-0 for the first time since the 2005-06 campaign when they rattled off the first seven contests of the season.  The Maroon & Gold are back in action at home on Saturday afternoon when they take on Norfolk State at 2:00 pm at the Hynes Center.