Dejour Reaves delivered a career-defining performance Friday night, powering the Iona Gaels to a 65-60 victory over Manhattan in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) thriller. The win strengthens Iona’s playoff positioning as both teams gear up for Sunday’s decisive games.
Reaves dominated with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Yaphet Moundi added 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Comeh Emuobor’s precision shooting (4/6 FG, 2/3 from three) proved vital in tight quarters. Manhattan’s Devin Dinkins countered with 18 points, but the Jaspers fell short despite a late rally.
Key factors in Iona’s win:
- Superior rebounding (47 total vs. Manhattan’s 42)
- Clutch three-point shooting (38% efficiency)
- Forced 12 turnovers leading to 15 fast-break points
Manhattan’s Masiah Gilyard (13 points, 9 rebounds) and Wesley Robinson (9 points, 10 rebounds) kept the game competitive until the final buzzer. Both teams now face critical Sunday matchups, with Iona hosting Merrimack and Manhattan battling Quinnipiac in games that could reshape MAAC standings.
Friday’s result leaves both teams locked at 8-7 in conference play, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the regular season. With the MAAC tournament approaching, every possession carries heightened stakes for these New York rivals.