ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Interstat) — Nyle Ralph-Beyer scored 26 points to lead Sacred Heart to a 91-80 victory over Iona in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament first-round game Thursday at Boardwalk Hall.

The Pioneers, who avenged a regular-season loss to the Gaels, used a 57-point second half to pull away. Sacred Heart led 34-29 at halftime before its offense ignited.

Anquan Hill and Yann Farell each added 19 points for Sacred Heart. Mekhi Conner facilitated the offense with 12 assists.

Iona was led by Luke Jungers with 20 points and Lamin Sabally, who scored 16 points and dished eight assists. The Gaels shot 51 percent in the second half but could not keep pace.

Sacred Heart improved to 14-18 and advanced to face Merrimack on Friday. Iona’s season ended at 18-14.