Niagara Upsets Iona 70-68 Behind Brian Griffith's 17 Points

The Niagara Purple Eagles, with a record of 7-19, pulled off a stunning upset against the Iona Gaels, ranked 112 spots higher in the NET rankings, winning 70-68 in a game that saw both teams struggle to find consistency. Iona, with a 15-12 record, was expected to dominate, given their recent form, where they averaged 70.6 points per game over their last 5 games, but Niagara's defense held strong, allowing just 68 points. The Gaels' trend of being outscored by their opponents continued, as they were outscored by 2.8 points per game over their last 5 outings, and this loss will surely raise questions about their seeding in the tournament. Niagara, on the other hand, was on a 1-4 stretch, averaging 62.8 points per game, but they managed to score 70 points against Iona, 7.2 points above their average.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Iona's Toby Harris led the way with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Niagara, who had three players in double figures, including Brian Griffith's 17 points. Vice Zanki added 12 points, and Trenton Walters chipped in with 11 points, as the Purple Eagles shot 45.5% from the field. Iona, on the other hand, shot just 41.9% from the field, and their 12 turnovers proved costly. The Gaels were also outrebounded 32-28, which gave Niagara more opportunities to score. With 5 minutes left in the game, Iona was up by 5 points, but Niagara went on a 10-2 run, capped off by a Griffith layup with 1:15 remaining, to take the lead.

The star performers for both teams made significant contributions, but it was Niagara's role players who made the difference. Griffith's 17 points were crucial, but it was his ability to score from anywhere on the court that made him a nightmare to defend. Zanki's 12 points came on 5-8 shooting, and his 3 rebounds were important in limiting Iona's second-chance opportunities. For Iona, Harris's 18 points were a highlight, but he disappeared in the second half, scoring just 6 points. CJ Anthony added 15 points and 5 rebounds, but his 4 turnovers were costly. Kosy Akametu's 12 points were a welcome addition, but he shot just 4-12 from the field. The Gaels' bench scored just 10 points, compared to Niagara's 15, which was a significant factor in the outcome.

The CHD Scout prediction had Iona winning by 4.7 points, but that was incorrect, as Niagara's defense and balanced attack were too much for the Gaels.

The prediction model missed the fact that Niagara's defense has been improving, allowing just 65.6 points per game over their last 5 outings, and their ability to limit Iona's scoring opportunities was key to their win. The model also underestimated the impact of Niagara's home court, where they have been more competitive, and the fact that Iona was on a 2-3 stretch, averaging 70.6 points per game, but allowing 70.6 points per game as well. The Gaels' recent form, where they lost to Mount St. Mary's and Siena, should have been a warning sign that they were vulnerable to an upset.

The win for Niagara has real consequences for their resume, as they move to 7-19 on the season.

The loss for Iona, on the other hand, could be a blow to their tournament chances, as they fall to 15-12 on the season. The Gaels' NET ranking of 234 will likely take a hit, and their quad 4 loss will be a concern for the selection committee. Niagara's win, however, will move them up the NET rankings, and their quad 4 win will be a welcome addition to their resume. The Purple Eagles' chances of making the tournament are still slim, but this win will give them hope that they can still make a run. Iona, on the other hand, needs to regroup and refocus, as they have a tough schedule ahead of them, and another loss could put their tournament chances in jeopardy.

The game was a reflection of Niagara's resilience, as they overcame a 5-point deficit with just 5 minutes remaining to win the game. The Purple Eagles' 36 points in the second half were a season high, and their ability to score from anywhere on the court made them a difficult team to defend. Iona, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as they have a tough schedule ahead of them. The Gaels' next game is against Manhattan, and a win matters to getting their season back on track. Niagara, on the other hand, will face Canisius, and a win will give them a much-needed boost to their tournament chances. With 7 games remaining in the season, both teams must be at their best if they want to make a run in the tournament.