Iona completes improbable MAAC threepeat - Mar 6, 2018
In a season that began with questions and continued with even fewer answers, Iona still found itself starring in the MAAC's final act Monday at the Times Union Center. The season may not always have been smooth for the Gaels, but they again took control of a league clouded by parity when it mattered most. Iona, the No. 4 seed, was fueled by Roland Griffin (6'7''-F-97)'s career-high and another strong all-around effort from graduate transfer Zach Lewis (6'3''-G-94) to beat No. 6 Fairfield 83-71 to three-peat as MAAC champions. Griffin, a 6-foot-7 junior, finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and four blocks off the bench. After spending the last two games in foul trouble, Griffin stayed on the floor and beat Fairfield with his mobility. He sparked a second-half surge that actually began in the closing minutes of the first half. The Gaels (20-13) began their push when Fairfield star Tyler Nelson (6'3''-G) parted after picking up his second foul with 3:35 left in the first half. They built a six-point lead by halftime but really began to expand it in the second half. Griffin's dominance and Lewis' lob for a one-handed slam by TK Edogi (6'8''-F-94) helped Iona soar in front 64-44. The lead still stood at 19 with 9:54 to play when the Stags reeled off a 12-4 run. They came within 70-59 on a 3-pointer by Nelson with 5:28 remaining and came within single digits, but never before it was too late. Lewis, now in his third school after stints at Canisius and UMass, had 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in his third straight strong effort. Junior Rickey McGill (6'1''-G) added 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nelson, who entered Monday tied for first in the MAAC in scoring at 22.1 ppg, had been the difference after a strong Iona start. He scored 17 first-half points and hit 4 of 5 from beyond the arc and Fairfield led by four before his foul trouble. The Gaels' defense held him to just eight points in the second half.
All-Tournament MVP: Zach Lewis (6'3''-G-94) of Iona Co-Player of the Year: Jermaine Crumpton (6'6''-F-94) of Canisius Co-Player of the Year: Kahlil Dukes (6'0''-G-95) of Niagara Defensive Player of the Year: Pauly Paulicap (6'8''-F) of Manhattan Rookie of the Year: Takal Molson (6'5''-G) of Canisius Sixth Player of the Year: Frederick Scott (6'8''-F) of Rider Coach of the Year: Kevin Baggett of Rider
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