NORTH ANDOVER, MA – The Iona University men's basketball team suffered an 88-86 double-overtime setback in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play Sunday afternoon at Lawler Arena. Competing on Merrimack's home floor for the first time in history, Iona erased a 15-point second-half deficit to force extra time before the contest slipped away in the closing seconds of the second overtime.
Graduate C.J. Anthony poured in a game-high 25 points, including nine in the final minute of regulation to extend the game. Graduate
Luke Jungers added 20 points, his first 20-point performance of the season, and played a key role in both the late surge and overtime sessions.
THE RUNDOWN
The opening half remained tight throughout, with the hosts holding the lead for nearly the entire period. The margin reached eight twice midway through the frame before a 12-4 burst evened the score at 25-25 on a Jungers three with 5:49 to play. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and Anthony beat the halftime buzzer with a floater in the lane to trim the deficit to 36-33 at the break.
Merrimack opened the second half with an 11-2 run to seize its first double-digit advantage. A three-pointer at 11:06 pushed the lead to 56-41. Just over 20 seconds later,
Toby Harris sparked a decisive push with a three of his own.
That sequence ignited a 27-12 closing run in regulation. Iona shot 10-for-17 from the field and 6-for-10 from beyond the arc during the stretch, with Anthony and Harris combining for 20 points. On the defensive end, the visitors limited Merrimack to 4-for-15 shooting over the final six minutes.
Trailing 68-65 with 10.8 seconds remaining, Anthony answered with a deep triple. After a timeout, he dribbled to his right and buried a game-tying shot with 2.1 seconds left to force overtime.
The first extra session swung back and forth. Jungers connected on a clutch three to erase an early deficit, and
Kosy Akametu gave Iona its first lead of the afternoon with 2:49 remaining. Holding a six-point edge late, the Gaels saw the advantage disappear when Andres Marrero converted three free throws with 28 seconds left to tie the score at 77-77. A final look at the buzzer did not fall.
In the second overtime, Jungers answered an early dunk with another three-pointer to briefly put Iona in front. The hosts responded with five straight points to regain control. Jungers struck again from deep to cut the margin to one, but another triple on the ensuing possession proved pivotal.
Down three in the final seconds, Sabally was fouled and made the first free throw before intentionally missing the second. He secured the rebound but could not convert the tying attempt as time expired.
IONA PERFORMERS
- C.J. Anthony delivered 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting, knocking down five three-pointers while adding five rebounds and five assists in a complete performance.
- Luke Jungers scored 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting with five triples, providing timely baskets throughout the rally and overtime periods.
- Kosy Akametu contributed 16 points, five assists and four rebounds, including the team's first lead in overtime.
- Lamin Sabally recorded his second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists.
- Toby Harris finished with 12 points on four three-pointers and added seven rebounds.
- Alliou Fall matched his season high with seven rebounds off the bench.
THE OPPONENT
- Merrimack placed six players in double figures, led by Kevair Kennedy's 20-point effort. He also totaled seven assists, six rebounds and five steals.
- Ernest Shelton added 18 points and six rebounds, while Tye Dorset chipped in 15 points and five assists.
- Todd Brogna posted 13 points, nine rebounds and five blocks to anchor the interior.
- Andres Marrero scored 12, and KC Ugwuakazi finished with 10.
TEAM STATS
- Iona shot 44.1 percent from the field compared to 41.3 percent for Merrimack and connected on 14 three-pointers at a 41.2 percent clip.
- The Gaels controlled the glass 45-32, including a 14-6 edge on the offensive boards, and held advantages in second-chance points 18-6 and points in the paint 32-28.
- The difference came at the free throw line, where Merrimack converted 25-of-28 attempts compared to 12-of-16 for Iona.
- Turnovers also proved costly, as Merrimack committed just four while forcing 12 and turning them into a 16-2 edge in points off giveaways.
- Assists were nearly even, with the hosts holding an 18-17 margin.
UP NEXT
The final weekend of the regular season awaits as Iona looks to secure its position for the 2026 MAAC Championship. The Maroon and Gold host Manhattan on Senior Night at the Hynes Center on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., with pregame festivities scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. The regular season concludes Sunday, Mar. 1 at Draddy Gymnasium with a 2 p.m. tip. Both contests will air live on ESPN+.
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