Iona Gaels
Record: 22-10 (16-4 MAAC)
Head Coach: Tim Cluess (6th season)
Season Recap: After dropping six of its first 10 games, Iona finished its season strong with eight consecutive wins, including a victory against national favorite Monmouth in the MAAC tournament final. The Gaels, who score 79.6 points per game, have been successful when they facilitate, knock down shots from the perimeter and limit their turnovers. But Iona has often struggled on the defensive end, surrendering 73.7 points per game, which ranks 227th in the country.
The Gaels rely heavily on guard A.J. English—who leads the team with 22.4 points, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds—to initiate their offense. Jordan Washington, Deyshonee Much and Isaiah Williams also score in double-figures, and Aaron Rountree is Iona’s defensive leader.
How they make a run: Williams and his supporting cast are efficient from the field and limit their turnovers in what could turn into a track meet between two offensive-minded teams. If Iona’s defense can disrupt Iowa State's rhythm, the Gaels could pull off the upset and send the fourth-seeded Cyclones home early for the second straight year.
How they falter: The undersized Gaels struggle on the boards against Iowa State big men Georges Niang and Jameel McKay, and Iona is unable to recover from defensive letdowns in a first-round defeat.
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