Feb. 11, 2006
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- It was a game of streaks. Unfortunately for the Fairfield University men's basketball team, its steak did not last as long as visiting Iona College's did. The Gaels used an 18-0 run that started at the end of the first half and ended a few minutes into the second half, lifting Iona to an 88-66 win at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
The Stags started the game quickly by keeping the first-place Gaels scoreless for the opening five minutes of the game. Fairfield built a 9-0 lead during that time, highlighted by Herbie Allen's three free throws following a foul. Ricky Soliver finally broke through for the Gaels with a jumper at the 15:08 mark.
Still, Fairfield was able to keep the opponent in check, pushing its advantage to 11 points at 15-4 and 17-6 seven minutes into the half. Soliver and Karil Wachsmann combined for 12 points over the six-plus minutes to bring Iona within two points at 26-24.
Iona took its first lead with 3:49 on the clock after Soliver hit a three-point basket to make the score 29-28. Fairfield rebounded with a short spurt to tie the game at 32-32 with 2:32 remaining in the half. From that point, Iona would used an 18-0 run that ended at the 16:32 mark of the second half when Jeremy Reedal hit a jumper to make the score 50-34.
The Stags never came closer than 14 points the rest of the game, and trailed by as many as 30 points at 85-55. Fairfield scored the next 11 points to cut the deficit to 19 points at 85-66. Mamadou Diakhate scored four points in that 11-point run, and finished the game with eight points.
Three Fairfield players finished the game in double figures, led by Reedal's career-high 16 points. Terrance Todd (13 points) and Herbie Allen (11 points) also reached double digits in the game.
Soliver led all scorers with 23 points, whiel Kiril Wachsmann netted a double double with 17 points and 18 rebounds for the Gaels.
Fairfield returns to action on February 14 when it hosts Saint Peter's College. Game time is slated for 7:30 pm.
