Gaels Rally in the MAAC

by Matthew George

The rollercoaster ride continues in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference as the Iona Gaels continue to push through the standings game by game. The Gaels are finding their way to find their sense of identity to solidify themselves as the MAAC playoffs approach in a month.

After a tough three game losing streak, especially a heartbreaking loss against Monmouth with Isaiah Washington a season-high 25 points on 5-8 from three and Asante Gist with 22 point on 5-6 from downtown, the Gaels have won their last two games on the road. EJ Crawford lead the way with 18 points, six assists, and seven rebounds in the 21-point blowout against the Quinnipiac Bobcats. In addition, Tajuan Agee put up a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds as well as the entire starting lineup scoring in double figures. The final score at Quinnipiac was 73-52.

Furthermore, the Gaels took down the Fairfield Stags in grand fashion with the score of 78-54. Isaiah Ross was lights out from deep hitting six of his seven attempts from three-point land and picked up 23 points. EJ Crawford scored 22 points on great efficiency shooting 9 of 13 from the field.

With those two recent conference wins in the books, the Gaels now move up to 7thplace in the MAAC after being second to dead last after the three-game losing streak. However, the Gaels have a tough schedule ahead of them with eight games remaining in conference play. In addition, it is likely that Asante Gist will be out for the rest of the season due to a broken foot injury he suffered back in the game against Monmouth. Furthermore, Head Coach Tim Cluess is seemingly still out of the commission from the team. There is still a lot work to be done for the Gaels if they want to defend their title as MAAC Champions for the last four years. The Gaels will host the Manhattan Jaspers and the Marist Red Foxes in at the Hynes Athletic Center.