Canisius 77, Iona 74

Feb 2, 2013, 10:46 pm

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Billy Baron scored 23 points and Harold Washington added 13 as Canisius defeated Iona 77-74 Saturday night in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action.

The Golden Griffins (15-8, 8-4) prevailed with balanced scoring and late free throws.

Iona (14-9, 8-4), up 40-38 at halftime, got a career-high 18 points from Taaj Ridley. The Gaels outscored Canisius 40-10 on points in the paint, but they couldn't overcome the Golden Griffins' shooting and their own mistakes.

In a tight game throughout, Iona led 74-72 when Baron was fouled on a late 3-point attempt. Baron hit all three shots and Canisius led 75-74 with 0:58 left.

Iona committed turnovers on its final two possessions in the last 0:36. Jordan Heath and Isaac Sosa each hit a foul shot in the last 26 seconds.

Canisius hit 14 of 30 treys, Iona 9 of 14. Canisius outscored Iona 19-9 on free throws.