Rival Gaels, Jaspers Meet in Metro Atlantic Showdown

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Iona Gaels look to solidify their standing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference when they host the rival Manhattan Jaspers on Saturday at Hynes Center.

Iona (13-8) enters on a two-game home winning streak, most recently edging Merrimack 61-60 on Thursday behind a 22-point performance from guard Denver Anglin. The Gaels have won three of their last five.

Manhattan (8-13) seeks to halt a three-game skid, coming off a heartbreaking 98-92 overtime loss at Quinnipiac on Monday. In that game, guard Devin Dinkins scored a season-high 25 points and Jaden Winston added 20. Anthony Isaac recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Dinkins, averaging 16.4 points over his last five games, will be a focal point for the Jaspers’ offense. His backcourt matchup with Iona’s Anglin, who is averaging 17.6 points in his last five outings, will be critical. Anglin has provided a scoring lift for the Gaels, including 22 points in the narrow win over Merrimack.

The teams present a contrast in recent momentum. Iona has found ways to win close games at home, while Manhattan has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 87.3 points during its current losing streak. The Jaspers’ last victory was a 79-70 win over Niagara on Jan. 11.

Historically a fierce MAAC rivalry, this game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs this season. They will meet again at Manhattan on March 1.

Iona holds the superior overall record and has performed better on its home court this season. Manhattan, however, has shown an ability to score in bursts, as evidenced by the 92-point output at Quinnipiac, and will need similar efficiency to challenge the Gaels.

Saturday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Iona’s next game is at home against Fairfield on Jan. 30. Manhattan’s next matchup is at home against Rider on Jan. 30.