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Tim Cluess' Iona squad came into Thursday night with an easy home match up looking to inch closer to Niagara in MAAC play. The Gaels opponent was a struggling Marist squad, who had only one win under their belt in their last thirteen games dating back to December 16th.
After winning eight out of nine games since New Years Eve, Iona was just looking to get their season back on track after back-to-back losses on the road to MAAC powers Niagara and Canisius. The Gaels had to look forward to coming home, as they hadn't lost on their home floor since a December 8 match up against Rutgers.
At halftime, Iona found themselves up 46-38 and looked like they'd extend their lead for an easy victory in the second half. The Gaels would initially do just that, extending their lead to 52-40 when Chuck Martin would take a timeout for the Red Foxes that would ultimately change the game.
Marist would come back and tie the game despite their starting point guard T.J. Curry fouling out with just 26 minutes and 5 points under his belt. Manny Thomas would replace Curry, who also finished the evening with 26 minutes and 5 points.
The Red Foxes actually took an 84-82 lead with thirty-one seconds left when Lamont Jones hit a key lay-up to send the game into overtime. Jones, a transfer from Arizona, would end the game with 37 points on the day.
Iona was able to jump out to a five point lead in the first overtime, but a total team effort brought the Red Foxes back to send the game into a second period of free basketball.
A big three from Isiah Morton and clutch free throw shooting from Jay Bowie and Chavaughn Lewis was the difference for Marist in the second overtime as they upset the Gaels 105-104.
Both teams only played an eight man rotation with seven players playing over 40 minutes. Marist's Chavaughn Lewis and Adam Kemp played the full 50 minutes. Lewis, Kemp, Morton, and Bowie combined for 89 of Marist's 105 points.
Iona will now look to get back into the thick of MAAC play and end their three game skid by beating Rider on Saturday. Marist will host the Loyola Greyhounds Sunday afternoon.