LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The Iona College men's basketball team dropped a 79-75 decision at Rider in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at Alumni Gymnasium. A strong second half allowed the home team to erase an eight-point halftime deficit in the win. Senior A.J. English scored a game-high 27 points in the loss.

English shot 8-of-21 from the field with a three-point field goal and a 10-for-12 effort from the foul line. He added six rebounds, five assists and three steals in 37 minutes. Three other Gaels had double-digit scoring totals with sophomore Deyshonee Much's 14, graduate Aaron Rountree's 11 and senior Isaiah Williams' 10 points. Rountree led the Gaels with seven rebounds, four steals and four blocks. Both Williams and Much added five rebounds. Senior Ibn Muhammad contributed nine points for the Maroon & Gold.

Rider had five performers in double-figures with senior Teddy Okereafor netting 23 points, six boards and five assists. Zedric Sadler scored all 13 of his points in the second half. Khalil Alford had 12 points and Kahlil Thomas and Shawn Valentine recorded 10 apiece.

The Gaels are back in action Friday at the Hynes Center when they host Saint Peter's.