NCAA News Wire
Massachusetts 87, Iona 82
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Feb 2022
Completing a difficult month on a positive note, Massachusetts closed out nonconference play with an 87-82 victory over Iona on Tuesday at the Mullins Center in Amherst, Mass.
After a hot start to the season, Massachusetts (7-6) went 2-4 in December.
The backcourt led the Minutemen to Tuesday’s win. Junior guards Trey Davis and Derrick Gordon scorched the nets all evening, as the duo combined to shoot 17-for-26 from the floor. The bulk of Davis’ production came from behind the arc, as he made five of six 3-point attempts en route to a game-high 25 points.
Leading 69-58, Massachusetts appeared as though it would run away with the game. However, Iona stormed back with a 20-4 run that put the Gaels ahead 78-73. The Minutemen responded with six consecutive points to move back on top.
With the score tied at 81-81, Gordon sank a jumper, and then he sealed the win with two free throws down the stretch. Gordon finished with 19 points and seven rebounds.
Iona (8-5) had four starters score in double figures. Senior forward David Laury had a team-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard A.J. English also posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 assists.
Massachusetts’ Derek Kellogg coached Tuesday’s game with a heavy heart, as he revealed afterward his mother-in-law died earlier in the day.
The Minutemen open Atlantic 10 play Saturday with a home contest against St. Bonaventure. The Gaels resume Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action Sunday at Siena.
