Massachusetts 87, Iona 82

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.

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