http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/players/taaj_ridley/179767 Recent articles about Taaj Ridley en-us All that Iona could do was look up and marvel. Sam Thompson had career highs with 20 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night, part of a dominating performance by Ohio State's high-flying front line, and the Buckeyes ran away to a 95-70 victory over Iona in the second round of the West Regional. The second-seeded Buckeyes (27-7) are in prime March form with nine straight wins, including their last five games of the regular season and a run to the Big Ten tournament title. Given a chance to run the floor, the Buckeyes left Iona (20-14) looking at their backs. ''They're jumping above anyone on our team on a lot of the plays and finishing a lot of dunks and a lot of things we can't even get up in the air to get near,'' Iona coach Tim Cluess said. Forward Deshaun Thomas has led the Buckeyes in scoring during their winning streak, averaging 17.6 points per game. He had 24 points as the Buckeyes' fast breaks led to dunks and a season high in points, thrilling the large Ohio State c Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:08:18 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_gets_overpowered_by_ohio_state_95_70/13212370 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_gets_overpowered_by_ohio_state_95_70/13212370 Iona gets overpowered by Ohio State 95-70 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_gets_overpowered_by_ohio_state_95_70/13212370 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Sam Thompson had career highs with 20 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night, part of a dominating performance by Ohio State's front line, and the Buckeyes ran away to a 95-70 victory over Iona in the second round of the West Regional. The second-seeded Buckeyes (27-7) are in prime March form with nine straight wins, including their last five games of the regular season and a run to the Big Ten tournament title. Forward Deshaun Thomas has led them in scoring during the streak, averaging 17.6 points per game. He had 24 points as the Buckeyes' fast breaks led to dunks and a season high in points, thrilling the large Ohio State contingent. Aaron Craft had a season-high six steals and seven assists for the Buckeyes. Shannon Scott tied his career high with 10 assists. Ohio State plays either Notre Dame or Iowa State on Sunday, one win away from a fourth straight trip to the round of 16. ''We have a lot of confidence,'' Thompson said. ''We know that if we come out and do the thi Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:08:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/buckeyes_breeze_past_iona_in_opener/13212037 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/buckeyes_breeze_past_iona_in_opener/13212037 Buckeyes breeze past Iona in opener http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/buckeyes_breeze_past_iona_in_opener/13212037 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Sam Thompson had career highs with 20 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night, part of a dominating performance by Ohio State's front line, and the Buckeyes ran away to a 95-70 victory over Iona in the second round of the West Regional. The second-seeded Buckeyes (27-7) are in prime March form with nine straight wins, including their last five games of the regular season and a run to the Big Ten tournament title. Forward Deshaun Thomas has led them in scoring during the streak, averaging 17.6 points per game. He had 24 points as the Buckeyes' fast breaks led to dunks and a season high in points, thrilling the large Ohio State contingent. Aaron Craft had a season-high six steals and seven assists for the Buckeyes. Shannon Scott tied his career high with 10 assists. Ohio State plays either Notre Dame or Iowa State on Sunday, one win away from a fourth straight trip to the round of 16. "We have a lot of confidence," Thompson said. "We know that if we come out and d Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:59:54 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/thompson_leads_ohio_state_over_iona/13212088 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/thompson_leads_ohio_state_over_iona/13212088 Thompson leads Ohio State over Iona http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/thompson_leads_ohio_state_over_iona/13212088 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Everybody knows about the nation’s third leading scorer MoMo Jones.  Most people also know about Sean Armand, the other sharp-shooting guard who is averaging 16.8 points per game.  But it was the 5’9′ Iona point guard who was the difference in the second half as Iona came from behind to knock off the top-seeded Niagara Purple Eagles in the MAAC tournament semifinals, 79-73. Tavon Sledge, a sophomore from Spring Valley, New York was the difference-maker for Iona as key play after key play led to the Gaels slowly increasing their lead en route to a victory, and berth in the conference championship game. Tavon Sledge was the difference maker for the Gaels With 6:59 left in the game and Iona up six points, beginning to pull away, Sledge put the final dagger in the Purple Eagles as he made two big plays on each end of the court.As Niagara’s Juan’ya Green was driving to the basket, Sledge poked the ball away and forced a steal which led to  made three-pointer by Sledge 21 seconds later.  ... Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:08:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/purple_eagles_bounced_by_gaels_in_semifinals/13109722 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/purple_eagles_bounced_by_gaels_in_semifinals/13109722 Purple Eagles Bounced by Gaels in Semifinals http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/purple_eagles_bounced_by_gaels_in_semifinals/13109722 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png 7:54 – Not even at halftime yet and we have had two shot clock/game clock malfunctions.  Geez.  Regardless, Niagara clinging to a three point lead.  Jones has still yet to score for Iona.  Niagara 24 Iona 21 (media timeout). 10:00 – Juan’ya green gets the shot to go and will head to the line to try and complete the three-point play.  MoMo Jones held scoreless through the first ten minutes.  Armand leads Iona with eight points and Mason has nine for Niagara.  Niagara 21 Iona 19 11:30 – The two teams trading punches.  It’s like a heavy-weight fight.  Iona 16 Niagara 16 14:20 – Iona 11 Niagara 7 15:38 – At the first media timeout.  Joe Mihalich has taken Devon White out of the game after he jacked up a three that he obviously isn’t supposed to take.  Iona is running and getting the ball to the basket.  T.J. Cline is a liability inside defensively for Niagara.  He can’t handle Taaj Ridley inside. Pregame: Tahjere McCall is in sweats and does not look available after injuring his kne Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:08:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/1_niagara_vs_4_iona_semifinal_live_blog/13102528 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/1_niagara_vs_4_iona_semifinal_live_blog/13102528 (1) Niagara vs (4) Iona Semifinal Live Blog http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/1_niagara_vs_4_iona_semifinal_live_blog/13102528 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After nearly allowing Siena to pull off an unthinkable upset Saturday afternoon, Niagara will have to get their act together against a red-hot Iona team Sunday. The top-seeded Purple Eagles will go head-to-head with the fourth-seeded Gaels this afternoon at 2:00 pm in the semi-finals of the MAAC Tournament at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Niagara held just a one-point lead at halftime of yesterday’s quarterfinal match-up against the Saints but continued to plug away in the second half to outscore their opponent by 11 in the second half to win 74-62. This game will be a battle of fantastic guards.  I’m not sure the word fantastic even does it justice. Three MAAC first-team members will be in this game as the duo of Antoine Mason and Juan’ya Greene will do battle with MoMo Jones and his fast-paced team. Mason scored a game-high 21 points and Green scored 15 along with six assists and five rebounds against Siena.  Jones scored 33 against Canisius Saturday as Sean... Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:52:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/niagara_goes_toe_to_toe_with_gaels_today/13101562 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/niagara_goes_toe_to_toe_with_gaels_today/13101562 Niagara Goes Toe-to-Toe With Gaels Today http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/niagara_goes_toe_to_toe_with_gaels_today/13101562 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Billy Baron scored 23 points and Harold Washington added 13 as Canisius defeated Iona 77-74 Saturday night in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action. The Golden Griffins (15-8, 8-4) prevailed with balanced scoring and late free throws. Iona (14-9, 8-4), up 40-38 at halftime, got a career-high 18 points from Taaj Ridley. The Gaels outscored Canisius 40-10 on points in the paint, but they couldn't overcome the Golden Griffins' shooting and their own mistakes. In a tight game throughout, Iona led 74-72 when Baron was fouled on a late 3-point attempt. Baron hit all three shots and Canisius led 75-74 with 0:58 left. Iona committed turnovers on its final two possessions in the last 0:36. Jordan Heath and Isaac Sosa each hit a foul shot in the last 26 seconds. Canisius hit 14 of 30 treys, Iona 9 of 14. Canisius outscored Iona 19-9 on free throws. Sat, 02 Feb 2013 23:41:20 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/canisius_77_iona_74/12823642 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/canisius_77_iona_74/12823642 Canisius 77, Iona 74 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/canisius_77_iona_74/12823642 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Sean Armand scored 27 points, connecting seven times from 3-point range, to lead Iona to a 93-74 victory over St. Bonaventure in a nonconference game Monday. The Gaels (7-6) shot 64.3 percent (18 of 28) in the second half, including 62.5 percent (10 of 16) behind the arc to pull away for their first win in six tries at the Reilly Center. Armand made 5 of 9 from long range for all 15 of his second-half points, including one at each end of a 17-5 run that increased Iona's lead to 59-45 with 12:12 remaining. Lamont Jones added 23 points for Iona, David Laury and Taaj Ridley had 13 each, and A.J. English came off the bench to score all 11 of his points in the second half, when he made 4 of 5 3-pointers. Demitrius Conger scored 26 points to pace the Bonnies (7-5). Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:27:08 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_93_st_bonaventure_74/12548443 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_93_st_bonaventure_74/12548443 Iona 93, St. Bonaventure 74 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_93_st_bonaventure_74/12548443 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Welcome to The Sports Bank’s third annual college basketball season preview series.  Two years we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.  Last year, we were slightly more aggressive and expanded to 111 teams in 111 days and will do so again as we look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. We will rank the 75 power conference teams and top 36 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order.  We’ll break down rosters, transfers, incoming freshmen, non-conference schedules, and pick a player to watch for each team. Behind the highest scoring offense in Division One last year, the Iona Gaels accomplished the difficult feat of earning an at large bid into the NCAA Tournament as a mid-major team.  However, Iona suffered a collapse of epic proportions in their opening round game and as a result was bounced by BYU.  Tim Cluess loses several key contributors from last year’s team and will rely on a plethora of newcomers to keep the ball rolling. IONA GAELS Last Season: 1st, 15-3 MAAC, 25-8 Predicted MAAC Finish... Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:01:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/71_iona_gaels_college_basketball_111_in_111/11762803 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/71_iona_gaels_college_basketball_111_in_111/11762803 #71 Iona Gaels: College Basketball 111 in 111 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/71_iona_gaels_college_basketball_111_in_111/11762803 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Sean Armand scored 22 points and Scott Machado had 16 points and nine assists to lead Iona to a 75-62 victory over Rider on Wednesday night in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game. The victory, combined with a 72-54 loss by Loyola (Md.) to Marist, moved the Gaels (21-6, 13-3) into sole possession of first place in the conference. The Broncs (11-17, 8-8) led 37-32 at halftime, but Iona took control with a 19-3 run at the start of the second half. Machado, the nation's assists leader, dished off on a tying 3-pointer by Armand and a 3 by Lamont Jones that gave the Gaels a 43-40 lead. Taaj Ridley finished the run with three straight baskets for a 51-40 lead with 12:05 left. Ridley finished with 13 points and Jones and Mike Glover had 11 each for Iona. Anthony Myles scored 21 points to pace Rider. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:45:32 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_75_rider_62/9945475 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_75_rider_62/9945475 Iona 75, Rider 62 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_75_rider_62/9945475 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Lamont Jones scored 25 points and Mike Glover had 20 points and 15 rebounds as Iona defeated Loyola (Md.) 74-63 Sunday in a game between the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's co-leaders. The Gaels (14-4, 6-1) trailed 36-31 at halftime but shot 63 percent (17 of 27) in the second half to 29.4 percent (10 of 34) for the Greyhounds (12-5, 5-2). Glover had 16 of his points after halftime. He scored two baskets during an 11-2 run that gave the Gaels a 50-46 lead with 12:13 remaining. After Loyola tied the game, Glover scored eight points in a 17-5 run that made it 67-55 with 4:52 left. Scott Machado had 12 points for Iona and had seven of his nine assists in the second half. Taaj Ridley added 10 points and 10 assists. Robert Olson made 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range and scored 21 points for the Greyhounds. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:46:10 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_74_loyola_md_63/9366569 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_74_loyola_md_63/9366569 Iona 74, Loyola (Md.) 63 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_74_loyola_md_63/9366569 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Lamont Jones scored 25 points and Mike Glover had 20 points and 15 rebounds as Iona defeated Loyola (Md.) 74-63 Sunday in a game between the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's co-leaders. The Gaels (14-4, 6-1) trailed 36-31 at halftime but shot 63 percent (17 of 27) in the second half to 29.4 percent (10 of 34) for the Greyhounds (12-5, 5-2). Glover had 16 of his points after halftime. He scored two baskets during an 11-2 run that gave the Gaels a 50-46 lead with 12:13 remaining. After Loyola tied the game, Glover scored eight points in a 17-5 run that made it 67-55 with 4:52 left. Scott Machado had 12 points for Iona and had seven of his nine assists in the second half. Taaj Ridley added 10 points and 10 assists. Robert Olson made 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range and scored 21 points for the Greyhounds. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:46:10 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_beats_loyola_md_74_63_takes_maac_lead/9366572 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_beats_loyola_md_74_63_takes_maac_lead/9366572 Iona beats Loyola (Md) 74-63, takes MAAC lead http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_beats_loyola_md_74_63_takes_maac_lead/9366572 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Mike Glover had 27 points, leading four Iona players in double-figure scoring as the Gaels routed Niagara 98-62 on Sunday for their third straight win against the Purple Eagles. Lamont Jones added 20 points, Taaj Ridley 12 and Sean Armand 10 for the Gaels (6-1, 2-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), who have beaten Niagara in five of their last six meetings overall. Iona has won six straight since dropping its season opener against Purdue 91-90 in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. Glover started the game's scoring with a pair of free throws, Ridley hit a jumper and Jones knocked down a 3 to put Iona up 7-0 early in the contest. The Gaels led the entire way, ahead by 22 points at the break and outscoring Niagara 54-40 in the second half. Scott Machado chipped in 12 assists for Iona. Juan'ya Green led the Purple Eagles (3-5, 0-2) with 25 points. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:28:04 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_98_niagara_62/8510587 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_98_niagara_62/8510587 Iona 98, Niagara 62 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_98_niagara_62/8510587 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Jermel Jenkins came off the bench to score 17 points and Iona used a second-half spurt to beat Canisius 69-57 on Friday night in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both teams. With the Gaels (5-1) leading 51-49, Jenkins made the first of five straight Iona layups in a 10-1 run to pull away with 6:55 remaining. Lamont Jones and Taaj Ridley added 12 points apiece for the Gaels, who have won 18 of the last 25 games in the series and seven of the last 10. The Golden Griffins (1-4) were led by Harold Washington with 22 points. Reggie Groves added 11 points, Alshwan Hymes chipped in 10 and Chris Manhertz grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds. Canisius outshot Iona 48.7 percent (19 of 39) to 46.6 percent (27 of 58), but the Gaels scored 21 points off 21 turnovers by the Golden Griffins. Iona committed only eight turnovers. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:02:01 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_69_canisius_57/8478592 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/iona_69_canisius_57/8478592 Iona 69, Canisius 57 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/iona_69_canisius_57/8478592 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Robbie Hummel made a 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to give Purdue a 91-90 victory over Iona on Wednesday in the 5-Hour Energy Puerto Rico Tip-Off. Iona (0-1) took a 90-88 lead with 33 seconds on a foul-line jumper by Lamont Jones. But Hummel answered with his fourth 3-pointer, giving him a game-high 24 points. Iona's Lamont Jones tried to drive to the basket in the final seconds, but lost the ball after he was surrounded by three Purdue defenders. Purdue's Ryne Smith was fouled and missed both his free-throw attempts, but Iona failed to connect on a half-court shot at the buzzer. Lewis Jackson scored 17 points and Smith had 15 on 5-of-6 shooting from 3-point range for Purdue (3-0). For Iona, Lamont Jones scored 17 points, Taaj Ridley had 16 points and 12 rebounds, Scott Machado had 14 points and 11 assists and Mike Glove added 13 points and 12 rebounds. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:25:36 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/purdue_91_iona_90/8163778 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/purdue_91_iona_90/8163778 Purdue 91, Iona 90 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/purdue_91_iona_90/8163778 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/1/d1a37fb6bd20d914047b15e5ac5421249b5ae14f/mini/Big_Ten_Tournamnet_bc94.jpg