Iona defeats Saint Peter’s 73-59 to sweep series

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Kyle Smyth scored 14 points and Alejo Rodriguez grabbed 13 rebounds as Iona defeated Saint Peter’s 73-59 on Friday night to win its sixth straight game and sweep the season series.

The Gaels (19-10, 12-5 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference), who also defeated the Peacocks 70-52 on Jan. 7, are tied with Rider for second place in the league going into the regular season finale. Saint Peter’s (17-12, 11-6) dropped to fourth.

Iona pulled away in the first half on a 15-4 run, then opened the second with a 17-4 spurt to lead 54-33 with 13:26 to go.

After the Gaels took their biggest lead at 73-49 with 3:07 left, the Peacocks closed out the game on a 10-0 run.

Iona outshot Saint Peter’s 45 percent (27 of 60) to 33.3 percent (23-69) and had a 54-34 rebounding advantage, but committed 21 turnovers, while forcing just 10.

Jeron Belin led the Peacocks with 15 points.