CHARLOTTE AMALIE WEST, U.S. Virgin Islands (Interstat) — The undefeated Iona Gaels (4-0) will face the Akron Zips (3-1) in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Friday at the U.V.I. Sports and Fitness Center.

Iona, off to a strong start, is coming off an 89-69 home victory over Princeton on Tuesday. CJ Anthony led the Gaels with 9 assists and 10 points in that contest, while Denver Anglin added 13 points. The Gaels’ offense has been potent, averaging over 87 points per game.

Akron, meanwhile, looks to rebound from its first loss of the season, a 97-79 defeat at Purdue on Sunday. Guard Tavari Johnson scored a team-high 20 points in the loss. The Zips’ defense, which had been stout in three prior wins, will be tested by Iona’s high-scoring attack.

The neutral-site game in the Virgin Islands presents a unique challenge for both teams. Iona will aim to protect its perfect record, while Akron seeks a statement win against a hot opponent before returning to Ohio for its next game against Milwaukee on Nov. 29. Iona travels to Delaware for its next contest on Dec. 1.