Iona holds off Niagara 98-93 in overtime in MAAC opener

Dec 30, 2017, 02:56 am

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- E.J. Crawford converted a 3-point play with about two minutes left in overtime and Iona closed with 10 straight free throws to hold off a challenge from Niagara 98-93 on Friday night in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener.

Two-time defending champion Iona (7-6) was picked to top the MAAC again this year, but had a battle with Niagara (7-7) in a game that saw 12 ties and 13 lead changes.

Marvin Prochet scored on a drive with eight seconds left in regulation as Niagara tied it 78-78. Iona's Deyshonee Much, who'd hit a big 3-pointer with 1:18 left, missed from distance and the game went to OT.

Roland Griffin led the Gaels with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while TK Edogi chipped in with 12 points and 16 boards. Rickey McGill and Zach Lewis added 16 points each and Much finished with 15.

Khalil Dukes and Matt Scott each scored 20 for the Purple Eagles, Scott adding 13 rebounds, and Prochet finished with 16 points and 15 boards.

Iona broke away from a 37-37 halftime tie with a 19-2 run, only to have Niagara roar back into it with a 13-0 run.