Iona and Monmouth went at one another as if it was the MAAC championship game.
On a Tuesday night in January, this game had a big-time postseason feel to it.
Elijah Joiner scored a career-high 24 points to lead Iona to an 86-85 overtime win over Monmouth, in West Long Branch, New Jersey.
Joiner made four of six from the three-point line.
In what likely was the difference in the game, Momnouth struggled at the foul line, converting just 19 of 30 free throws (63.3%). For the season, the Hawks are shooting 79.1% from the foul line.
It was the fourth straight win for the Gaels (15-3 overall,7-0 MAAC), who remain undefeated in the conference.
Rick Pitino’s team was pushed to the limit by the Hawks (10-6 overall, 2-3 MAAC). Monmouth has dropped four straight games, however, their effort against the Gaels won’t go unnoticed, as conference play heats up.
