Riverdale, NY - Fueled by a big second half run, Iona was able to overcome a career-high 16 points from freshman Tykei Greene (Queens, NY / Long Island Lutheran) in posting a 66-52 win over Manhattan.
Sophomore Ebube Ebube (San Juan, Puerto Rico / Lawrenceville Prep (NJ)) had 12 points with 10 rebounds in notching his first career double-double while freshman Warren Williams (Kingston, Jamaica / St. Benedict's Prep (NJ)) had 10 points, seven rebounds and a career-high four blocks, to round out the top statistical performers for the Jaspers.
Manhattan took a scant 28-26 lead at intermission thanks to posting advantages of 12-2 on points in the paint and 8-2 on second-chance opportunities.
With the score tied at 35-35 with 13:34 to play, the Gaels responded with 11-straight points en route to posting an 18-2 run in just over seven minutes to open up a 16-point advantage.
Freshman Christian Hinckson (Queens, NY / Tilton School (NH)) quelled the spurt with a layup before Ebube canned a pair from the line and a layup to trim the deficit to 53-43 with 4:38 to play while forcing an Iona timeout.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Jaspers would get the rest of the way.
E.J. Crawford paced three double-figure scorers for Iona with 16 points while Ricky McGill and Ben Perez each had 13 points.
Freshman Samir Stewart (Fort Lauderdale, FL / American Heritage) also handed out a game-high six assists while Ebube added three steals as the Jaspers fall to 9-18 and 7-8 in the MAAC while the Gaels improve to 12-15 and 10-6 in the league.
Manhattan will next be in action at Fairfield on Sunday, February 24 with opening tip slated for 3:30 pm.