LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Iona College men's basketball team was held to 34.4 percent shooting from the field in a 92-74 setback at Monmouth as the hosts converted 51.6 percent of its attempts to earn the MAAC victory.

Sam Cassell Jr. led the Gaels with 20 points in addition to five rebounds while Jordan Washington contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Rickey McGill went 9-for-10 from the free throw line towards his 11 points and five assists. In the effort, the Maroon & Gold shot 84.0 percent (21-for-25) from the charity stripe.

Micah Seaborn led four Hawks in double-figure scoring behind 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting to go with five rebound and five assists. Justin Robinson and Chris Brady each posted 18 points with Robinson totaling seven assists and Brady grabbing nine rebounds.

After Monmouth claimed a 14-point advantage in the first half, Iona rallied back to cut the deficit to two points with less than six minutes left at 38-36 following a 3-pointer from Jan Svandrlik. However, the Hawks ended the half on a 16-5 run, including the final five points, to claim a 54-41 halftime advantage.

The Hawks scored 26 points in the paint in the opening 20 minutes to help shoot 57.1 percent (20-for-35) from the field. Iona kept within striking distance behind a trio of 3-pointers from Cassell and Svandrlik.

Despite only shooting 44.4 percent (12-for-27) in the second period, the Hawks continued to add to the lead, eventually building an advantage to as large 23 points with 8:31 remaining and again with less than three minutes. Iona converted 14 free throws to create offense, however, the Monmouth defense held the Gaels to 25.0 percent (8-for-32) in the half.

Iona looks to rebound quickly, hosting Canisius on Sunday for a 4:00 pm MAAC contest inside the Hynes Center.