NEW ROCHELLE, NY – A lengthy first half run coupled with a season-best 61.7 shooting percentage (37-for-60) helped create a 98-75 victory for the Iona College men's basketball team earlier today in the Hynes Center against MAAC foe Canisius. The 98 points is also a season-high for the Gaels (10-7, 3-3 MAAC) and is the most since a 110-102 setback against Monmouth on January 15th, 2016.

With the victory, head coach Tim Cluess earned his 150th win at the helm of the Maroon & Gold. Cluess owns a record of 150-72 throughout seven seasons with Iona, a winning percentage of .676.

A 17-0 run that included a perfect 8-for-8 from the field sparked the Maroon & Gold to a 48-29 lead after trailing by 11 earlier in the first half. The Iona defense held the Griffs (10-6, 3-2 MAAC) scoreless for nearly five minutes during the spurt.

After trailing 13-2 less than four minutes into the contest, the Gaels outscored Canisius 51-27 for the remainder of the half to lead 53-40 at the break. Schadrac Casimir fueled the initial comeback and 17-0 run for the Gaels, ending the first half with five 3-pointers for all 15 of his points in the opening 20 minutes.

Jordan Washington added 13 points at the break while two furious dunks by Taylor Bessick helped the Iona frontcourt leave a mark in the opening half. Rickey McGill added six points and six assists while E.J. Crawford came off the bench for eight points.

A 7-0 run in the middle portion of the second half, capped off by a Sam Cassell Jr. 3-pointer, pushed the Iona lead to 20 points for the first time with 13:05 left in regulation. The advantage extended to its largest margin of 23 points on three different occasions as Casimir knocked down a pair of free throws followed by a duo of 3-pointers from Jan Svandrlik to create the three leads.

The Griffs rallied to bring the deficit to 13 points with 4:29 left, however, Casimir and Crawford strung together nine points for the Gaels followed by a layup by McGill and 3-pointer from Svandrlik to close out the 23-point victory.

Casimir finished the game with a season-high 27 points and seven made 3-point field goals. Washington finished 9-for-15 from the field towards 20 points, six rebounds and two steals while McGill totaled a career-high 14 assists to go along with 14 points. The assists number is the most since A.J. English dished out 14 at Canisius last February 5.

Also a new season-best on the night was 15 made 3-pointers for the Gaels, the most since February 8, 2015 against Marist.  

Looking ahead, the Gaels enjoy a five-day break before returning to action on Saturday with a trip to Quinnipiac. Tip off in Hamden, CT is scheduled for 2:00 pm.