ATLANTIC CITY - There was a bit of a scare from a red-hot Marist Red Foxes team that hardly played like the bottom-seeded team of the bracket, but in the end, the Iona Gaels were able to halt Marist's momentum and recapture the MAAC Tournament title with a 76-55 win.
The Gaels returned to the top, winning their sixth MAAC Tournament in seven seasons and their first since 2021, which was coach Rick Pitino's first year at Iona.
Iona held a 35-26 lead at half and every time the Gaels seemed to pull away, Marist would close the gap.
The Red Foxes finally strung together a run, feeling re-energized after the halftime break, eventually tying it up at 46 with 10:25 to go in the game.
Iona buckled down from there, never relinquishing its lead and responding with big plays on both ends of the court to regain separation. The Red Foxes never recovered from there, as the Gaels closed the game on a 19-2 run over the final 4:42 to secure the title.
Daniss Jenkins led the Gaels with a game-high 27 points, including a 6-of-9 shooting clip from long range. Walter Clayton Jr. had 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Nelly Junior Joseph added nine points, 11 rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
For Marist, Patrick Gardner tallied 23 points and seven rebounds. Kam Farris had 12 points off the bench.
The Gaels improve to 27-7 and will await their NCAA Tournament draw on Selection Sunday.
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