ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — In a thrilling Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinal on Thursday night, Dejour Reaves propelled Iona to a 77-65 triumph over Manhattan. Reaves shone particularly in the second half, scoring 21 of his 28 total points to guide the Gaels to victory.
Iona, now with a balanced 16-16 record, secured its spot in the semifinals, where they will be facing the tournament’s top seed, Quinnipiac, on Friday. Reaves also contributed significantly on the boards, pulling down six rebounds. Yaphet Moundi was another standout for the Gaels, totaling 23 points alongside eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Adam Njie added 16 points despite some shooting challenges, hitting 7 out of 20 shot attempts.
For the fifth-seeded Manhattan Jaspers, who ended their season at 17-13, Wesley Robinson showcased a commendable performance, achieving a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. His teammate Devin Dinkins matched his scoring output with 15 points, and Shaquil Bender chipped in with 12 points.
The Gaels held a narrow lead of 33-31 by the close of the first half, largely fueled by Moundi’s 14-point contribution before the break. However, it was Reaves’ remarkable second-half performance that ensured Iona’s progression in the tournament, altering the course of the game decisively.
