NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College men's basketball team won its third straight to start the season in an 80-68 victory over Norfolk State at the Hynes Center this afternoon. Sophomore guard Scott Machado poured in a career-high 20 points and a trio of rookies tallied 10 or more in the win. The Gaels (3-0) are unbeaten after three games for the fourth time in the last 25 seasons.

The Maroon & Gold led from wire-to-wire, scoring the game's first points on a three-pointer from rookie Kyle Smyth at the 18:25 mark of the first half. Less than seven minutes later, Iona held an 18-4 lead. Rookie Keon Williams scored eight straight points to cap the run that started the contest. After Norfolk State (1-2) figured out Iona's full-court pressure defense it was able to crawl back into the contest. The Spartans could not get closer than four points in the first half and trailed 36-32 at halftime.

The Gaels nursed a high single-digit lead throughout the second half and led by as many as 12 points on several occasions. Norfolk State got within five points at the 11:22 mark on a three-pointer by Rob Hampton. The Gaels responded with an 8-2 run including six straight points that was capped by a thunderous put back dunk by Alejo Rodriguez with 8:30 remaining to make the score 60-49. The Spartan's Kyle O'Quinn got the margin to within six points with 4:51 to play. Machado answered with a three pointer on the Iona's next possession. With 1:48 to go, sophomore Jermel Jenkins drained a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down to make the score 75-63 and seal the game. It was Machado that took over for the Gaels over the final six minutes, accounting for 11 of the team's final 16 points.

Machado shot 5-for-12 from the field including two three pointers and was 8-for-13 from the free throw line. He added a team best six assists and four steals in the win. Smyth, Williams and freshman Mike McFadden also recorded season highs. Smyth had 14 points, while McFadden had 13 points and five boards and Williams added 10 points and four rebounds in just eight minutes of play. Rodriguez was also very effective in the front court with nine points, five boards and two blocks.

The Gaels head to Florida for the Thanksgiving break at the 2009 Old Spice Classic. Iona takes on Florida State in the first round on ESPNU on Thursday night at 9:00 pm.