Box Score Andrew Kahn will be writing feature and postgame articles for Iona basketball for
ICGaels.com in the 2009-10 season. A New Rochelle High School
graduate, he holds an English degree from the University of Michigan
and currently works for the non-profit Dana Foundation. In addition to
his work for ICGaels.com, Andrew writes for his own blog,
www.TheSportsJournalists.com.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College men's basketball team had lost two straight, both at home. The Gaels were determined not to let their losing streak reach three. They came out with an energy unmatched by their opponent, getting off to a good start and leading all the way in a 80-64 victory over Long Island University at the Hynes Athletics Center.
The win was an important one for the Gaels given their difficult upcoming stretch of games. Seven of their next eight contests are on the road, including games at Providence and Connecticut. Falling under .500 would have been disappointing, after especially the team's impressive start to the season. But if Iona's confidence was shaken after dropping consecutive conference games, it didn't show tonight.
"Tonight we got off to a good start by making four or five layups in a row," head coach
Kevin Willard said. "We were able to press and get the momentum going a little bit."
The Gaels used this momentum to build a 16-4 lead. Junior guard
Rashon Dwight was key to Iona's fast start, recording three steals in the first three minutes of action. As a team, the Gaels finished with 12 steals and forced Long Island into a whopping 21 turnovers.
Offensively, it was freshman
Mike McFadden who carried the load for Iona early. Willard was very pleased to see his young forward have a break-out game after some inconsistency to start the season.
"Mike had played well the last two games, but just missed a lot of chippies," Willard said. "When you're a young guy and you miss some chippies, it kind of gets on your overall psyche. So he came out tonight…and really concentrated on making the ones he had to make, and it made a big difference."
McFadden was flawless in the first half, not missing a field goal or a free throw en route to a 12-point outburst. He finished with 16 for the game. He noted a lack of practice time – Iona has now played three games in the last six days – as one of the factors behind his struggles. But McFadden finally got a chance to put in some extra time in the gym. "I got to work on it today," he said. "And it paid off."
There was sloppy play throughout – the Gaels did have 17 turnovers themselves – but it was never really in doubt for Iona, which led by 10 at half. The Blackbirds cut the lead to nine with just over seven minutes remaining in the game, but
Kyle Smyth found sophomore
Trinity Fields for a three-pointer. It was part of an impressive stretch for Smyth, who showed off an array of skills over the course of just a couple of minutes – rebounding, passing, outside shooting, driving to the hoop. He finished with a game-high 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
"Smyth's been playing like that all year," Willard said, adding that he only asks his freshman guard to be more assertive offensively. "I think he did a good job tonight of being aggressive all night."
"Certain opportunities presented themselves, and I tried to capitalize on them," Smyth said. "But as a team, everybody was popping the ball around, so that was the main thing."
It was certainly important for the Gaels to get the victory at home before travelling to Providence on Saturday.
"We played 18 road games last year so these guys are used to being on the road," added Willard.
