BALTIMORE, MD- The Iona College men's basketball team dropped another close decision in an 88-85 overtime loss at Loyola (Md.) in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at Reitz Arena. Loyola's Robert Olson hit a game-tying three with seven seconds remaining in regulation to force the extra frame.

Juniors Mike Glover and Scott Machado led Iona in the scoring column, posting 22 and 19 points respectively. Glover shot 7-for-12 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line while grabbing eight boards. Machado dished out six assists while converting 10-of-13 attempts from the charity stripe. Senior Rashon Dwight and junior Jermel Jenkins each pitched in 13 points in the loss.

Neither team could take control of the game through the first 17 minutes as a four-point Iona lead at 15:23 was the largest of the half for either team. Loyola's Justin Drummond hit a three-pointer with 2:26 left in the first half to spark an 8-0 run as the home team jumped out to a 38-29 advantage with 71 seconds left in the half. A Randy Dezouvre jumper and two Machado free throws in the final minute got Iona back to within five points at the break.

Loyola quickly went up by eight points to start the second half, leading 47-39 at the 16:45 mark. a 12-2 run over the next 90 seconds including eight straight by Jenkins put Iona ahead by two with 15 minutes remaining in the half. Iona was able to extend its lead to as many as six points with 4:14 remaining on a Chris Pelcher free throw that capped another 8-0 run for the Gaels. The Greyhounds chipped away at the deficit, getting the equalizer by Olson to force overtime.

Olson's layup with 41 seconds left also gave Loyola the lead for good putting the home team ahead by two. Machado got the deficit to one with a free throw with 20 ticks left. Olson put the Greyhounds ahead by three after he was fouled on the ensuing inbounds attempt. The Gaels could not get a clean shot off on their final possession and lost a third straight heartbreaker in MAAC play.

Six Greyhounds hit double-digits in the game led by senior Brian Rudolph's 19 points. Drummond and sophomore Erik Etherly had double-doubles for Loyola. 

The Gaels were out shot (50.0%-40.0%) and out rebounded (40-32). Both teams combined for 74 free throws in the contest with Iona converting 27-of-40 attempts.

Iona is back in action next Friday (Feb. 4) when they travel to Bridgeport, CT to take on Fairfield.

Score by Periods                1st  2nd   OT   Total
Iona College..................   33   45    7  -   85
Loyola........................   38   40   10  -   88