Gaels Found Gold at Gold Rush

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference continues in full stride as teams are in the heap of conference play. With that being said, the Iona Gaels kept their winning spirit this past weekend as it was the Gold Rush game, in which the team hosted their historical rival the Manhattan Jaspers on Friday. The fan interactions, competitiveness, and support from Iona fans was like no other throughout this season at the newly reinvaded Hynes Athletic Center. There were two majorly different outcomes between the Gaels and the Jaspers.

Manhattan struggled from every aspect on the floor. The Jaspers were 1-8 from the free throw line in the first half and 42.9% for the entire game, made only six three pointers in 27 attempts, and missed many easy opportunities from close to the rim. In addition, Forward Pauly Paulicap was the only players for the Jaspers to score in double digits with ten points.

On the other hand, the Gaels flourished throughout the entire game. In the first half, the team shot over 62% from the field and over 92% from the charity strip. The Gaels took advantage from inside the perimeter and close to the basket. EJ Crawford lead the way with 21 points, while hitting 11-13 free throws to go along with seven assists. Tajuan Agee scored 16 points and great efficiency on both ends of the floor. The Gaels combined for 38 points in the paint for the entire game.

Despite the major conference win with the final score of 80-57 in New Rochelle, Gaels Forward Dylan Van Ejck went down with a horrific right arm injury mid-game after driving to the rim on a fast break. It is currently unknown for how long he will he out for. This means the Gaels are down another player alongside Asante Gist; Van Ejck was the team energy player, especially on the court, and is a major piece in the team’s defensive schematics as well as rebounding. They will to figure out a new strategy and game plan now that Van Ejck is injured.

The Gaels will host the Marist Red Foxes on Sunday before heading on the road to Albany at the Times Union Center against the Siena Saints on Wednesday.