ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Sam Cassell Jr. had 15 points and seven assists, and Iona beat Drake 64-53 on Thursday night in the Great Alaska Shootout for its first victory of the season. Iona trailed 38-28 early in the second half but the Gaels hit three straight 3-pointers – two by Jon Severe – to pull to 38-37. Severe gave Iona its first lead of the second half at 42-41 after another 3.
It was tied at 52-all with 5:46 left but Iona went on a game-clinching 12-0 run, highlighted by three 3-pointers. Half of Iona’s 24 made field goals were from 3-point range.
Severe and Deyshonee Much each added 14 points for Iona (1-2). Much made four 3-pointers and had six assists and six steals. Severe also hit four 3s and Cassell added three. Jordan Washington scored 10 of his 13 points in the first half but Iona was behind 30-25. Reed Timmer led Drake (1-3) with 14 points and three 3-pointers. De’Antae McMurray added 12 points – all in the first half.