PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Iona College men's basketball team dropped an 88-74 decision to La Salle in non-conference action at Tom Gola Arena. A late Explorer (7-2) run in the second half proved to be the Gaels' (5-5) undoing.

Highlighting the effort was the debut of sophomore David Laury who sat out the first semester to complete a year-in-residence at Iona due to NCAA Initial Eligibility regulations. Laury dazzled in 26 minutes of play recording a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double. On his first touch in Maroon & Gold, he took the ball off the rim on the defensive end and went coast-to-coast, finishing on a spin move and a layup.

Back-and-forth, high paced action marked the first half. Two free throws by junior Sean Armand with 5:48 remaining gave Iona its largest lead of the game at 41-34. La Salle ended the frame on a 15-4 run, holding Iona scoreless for the final 4:05 to take a 49-45 advantage into intermission.

Although the second half was slower paced, the two teams continued to put on an offensive show. Two free throws by Sam Mills gave the Explorers the lead for good at 55-54 and 15:19 to play. The Gaels remained in striking distance until the home team pushed an 8-2 run to make it an 11-point game with 6:20 left.  Two late free throws by Tyrone Garland pushed the final advantage to 14 minutes as Iona was handed just its third double-digit loss in the last three seasons.

Laury shot 8-of-13 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line to account for his 21 points.  In addition to 14 rebounds, he added two steals, two blocks and an assist in 26 minutes. 

Senior Lamont Jones scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half and matched a team best with three assists.  Junior Sean Armand scored 15 points despite a tough shooting effort from beyond the arc.  He posted seven rebounds and three assists. Freshman A.J. English added seven points, three steals and three assists.

LaSalle's Tyrone Garland scored 20 of his 26 points in the second half to La Salle. Ramon Galloway posted all 21 of his points in the first half and had a double-double with 10 assists. Tyreek Duren and Jerrell Wright added 13 points apiece.  Steve Zack had a team best 10 assists.

The Gaels were outshot 50.7% - 43.7% and out rebounded 43-39 in the loss.

Iona is back in action on Sunday (Dec. 23) at home against Norfolk State in a 2:00 pm tipoff.