Iona 90, Loyola (Md.) 86

Mar 1, 2013, 11:43 pm

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- Lamont Jones scored 35 points, including 22 in the second half, as Iona defeated Loyola (Md.) 90-86 Friday night to sweep the teams' season series.

The Gaels (16-13, 10-7 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), who had lost six of their last seven games -- by a total of 11 points -- shot 76 percent (19 of 25) in the second half, their best shooting half this season.

Jones made 7 of 7 second-half shots and scored 10 points in a span of 1:35 to stretch a 70-66 Iona lead to 80-70 with 2:12 remaining.

The Greyhounds (20-10, 11-6), who had won three straight, shot 59.4 percent (19 of 32) in the second half. Erik Etherly and Robert Olson scored 23 points each for Loyola and Anthony Wimbush added a career-best 20.

It was the first time three Loyola players had reached 20 in a game in coach Jimmy Patsos' nine seasons.