ALBANY, NY – The Iona College men's basketball team used a strong second half run to capture a third straight and conference record 11^th MAAC Championship title in program history by upending Fairfield 83-71 this evening at the Times Union Center.

After leading 43-37 at the halftime break, the Maroon & Gold (20-13) opened the second half on a 14-4 run to create a 16-point margin. The lead grew to as large as 20 points in the final period, enough of a lead to hold off a late Fairfield (17-16) rally.

The Stags were able to cut the deficit to six points with a minute remaining, however, the Maroon & Gold went 6-for-6 from the free throw line while adding in a TK Edogi dunk to secure the win and automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

Roland Griffin came off the bench to pour in a career-high 29 points that included 11-of-11 from the free throw line while also adding eight rebounds and four blocks in 31 minutes. Zach Lewis added 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals towards earning Championship Most Outstanding Player honors. Griffin and Schadrac Casimir joined him on the All-Championship team.

Iona becomes the first program to win three straight MAAC titles since Siena accomplished the feat from 2008-2010. The two teams join LaSalle (1988-1990) as the only team to win three straight championships.

Additionally, with tonight's win, the Gaels mark a ninth straight season with 20 or more wins. It is the 22^nd time in program history.

The Maroon & Gold look ahead to Sunday's NCAA Selection Show to where the MAAC automatic bid will land among the field of 68. The show is scheduled to air live at 6 pm on TBS.