BRONX, NY - The Iona University men's basketball team dropped a 78-72 decision to Fordham in non-conference action Tuesday night at Rose Hill Gymnasium. The 64th meeting between the neighboring programs marked Iona's first appearance at Rose Hill in 20 years and evened the all-time series at 32-32.
THE RUNDOWN
Iona came out strong, scoring the game's first five points and building an early 13-6 advantage. Fordham responded to take the lead, and the teams traded baskets throughout the opening half before the Rams carried a 43-37 advantage into the break.
Fordham extended its lead to 11 early in the second half, but the Gaels began chipping away. A
Kosy Akametu three-pointer, an
Ore Odutayo second-chance basket and a
Kevon Vanderhorst steal and layup brought Iona within four at 53-49. Odutayo then converted two free throws to even the score at 54-54 with 12:35 remaining.
The Rams answered with a 14-3 run to regain control, opening a 68-57 lead with 6:54 to play. Iona continued to battle, using baskets from Akametu, Vanderhorst and Odutayo to cut the deficit to four, 73-69, with 1:48 remaining. Vanderhorst connected from beyond the arc with 49 seconds left to make it a one-possession game at 75-72, but Fordham converted down the stretch to secure the six-point decision.
IONA STATISTICS
- Senior Keyshawn Mitchell recorded his first double-double as a Gael and the 10th of his career, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Both totals were season highs, and he went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
- Graduate Kosy Akametu added 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. He scored seven points in each half.
- Senior Kevon Vanderhorst scored all 13 of his points after halftime, connecting on three three-pointers while adding two assists and two steals.
- Rookie Ore Odutayo also finished with 13 points, adding six rebounds. He has scored in double figures in consecutive games and was efficient from the floor and the line, shooting 4-for-5 from the field and 5-for-5 at the stripe.
- Sophomore Alliou Fall grabbed a career-high nine rebounds, all on the defensive end, in approximately 13 minutes of action. He also contributed two points.
- Graduate Sadiku Ibine Ayo contributed nine points, three rebounds and three assists.
THE OPPONENT
- Amir Lindsey led all scorers with 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds, shooting 5-for-7 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line.
- Lateef Patrick Jr. recorded 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
- Akira Jacobs scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds.
- Roor Akhuar added 11 points.
TEAM STATISTICS
- Fordham shot 48.1 percent from the field (25-for-52), compared to 40.4 percent (21-for-52) for Iona. The Rams also held a 41.7-to-35.7 percent edge from three-point range, with both teams making 10 shots from beyond the arc.
- The Gaels held a 35-30 advantage on the glass and turned that edge into a 13-4 advantage in second-chance points.
- Fordham recorded 14 assists to Iona's eight and converted 25 points off turnovers, compared to 16 for the Gaels.
- Iona shot 90.9 percent from the free-throw line (20-for-22), while Fordham went 18-for-25 (72.0 percent).
- The Rams held a 34-18 advantage in bench points and a 30-20 edge in points in the paint. Both teams scored nine fast-break points.
UP NEXT
Iona continues its road swing Friday with another Metropolitan Area battle at Hofstra. The contest marks the third straight road game for the Gaels, who will conclude a four-game road trip Monday at UMBC in the second installment of the America East-Metro Challenge.
FOLLOW THE GAELS
Be sure to follow Iona University athletics on all social media platforms:
Iona Athletics: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
Iona Men's Basketball: Twitter, Facebook. Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
