NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Iona Gaels will tip off their 2025-26 men’s basketball season on Friday when they host the Hofstra Pride at the Hynes Center.

Iona last took the court in March, falling 63-49 to Mount Saint Mary’s in its previous contest. The Gaels will look to start a new campaign on a positive note in their home opener.

They face a Hofstra team eager to secure its first win after a narrow season-opening loss. The Pride fell 82-78 at UCF on Monday despite strong offensive performances from their backcourt. Cruz Davis scored 17 points and Preston Edmead added 16 points and a team-high six assists in the defeat. German Plotnikov also chipped in 13 points for Hofstra.

The game marks the beginning of a challenging early schedule for the Pride, who will play seven of their next 10 games on the road following Friday’s contest. Iona’s early slate is also demanding, featuring a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands and a road game at Saint John’s in the coming weeks.

Tipoff is set for Friday night in New Rochelle.