ALBANY, NY - The Iona College men's basketball team put on an unprecedented shooting display in an 86-65 win over Albany in non-conference action at SEFCU Arena. The Gaels (2-3) drained a school-record 18 three-point field goals led by sophomore
Kyle Smyth's eight and junior
Jermel Jenkins' seven in the victory.
Both players would have broken the previous single-game three-point field goal mark but it is Smyth that comes away with it alone. The former record of six was shared, among others by Steve Burtt, Jr. (at Manhattan in the final regular season contest in 2006) and Deshaun Williams (at Niagara in 2004).
The team mark for single-game trifectas was shattered and almost met in the first half alone. The Gaels hit 13 three-pointers at Rider on Jan. 11, 2009. The Maroon & Gold have connected on 12 in a game on eight occasions including three times last year.
It was Smyth's torrid shooting that carried the Gaels in the first half. He tallied 26 of his game-high 29 points in the frame shooting 7-for-10 from behind the arc. One of the three misses was a 25-footer at the buzzer and one of his two point makes came with a toe on the line and the shot clock expiring. Smyth also converted a conventional three-point play in the half.
Jenkins added 21 on 7-of-11 shooting from behind the arc. After waiting five seasons to have multiple 20-point scorers in a contest, the Gaels have accomplished the feat in back-to-back efforts.
Junior
Scott Machado had a double-double with 14 points and a career-best 15 assists. It was the second-highest single-game assist total in school history, two behind the record set by Danny Doyle against Fairfield at the formerly named Mulcahy Center on Feb. 19, 1994. Senior
Alejo Rodriguez posted seven points and 10 rebounds and junior
Mike Glover had seven points and six boards after sitting most of the first half after picking up two quick fouls.
The Gaels trailed early with the Great Danes taking a quick 12-6 advantage. Trailing 19-15 at the 12:04 mark, Iona went on a decisive 24-0 run over the next 5:43 and took the lead for good. It was fitting that Iona's first five field goals came from behind the arc by Jenkins and Smyth.
The Maroon & Gold shot 51.7% from the field and 60.0% from behind the arc. The Great Danes had a solid shooting effort as well with a 49.0% overall field goal percentage. Iona out rebounded Albany 35-27 and dished out 24 assists to just 12 turnovers.
The victory was the 100th NCAA win for first-year head coach
Tim Cluess who won 98 games in four years at Div. II CW Post before coming to Iona in the spring.
Iona continues action on the road after a weekend off for the Thanksgiving holiday when they travel to Norfolk, VA to take on Norfolk State University next Tuesday (Nov. 30).
Score by Periods 1st 2nd Total
Iona College.................. 47 39 - 86
Albany........................ 34 31 - 65
