Iona Takes MAAC Title at TU Center

Iona.... you are going dancing!

The Gaels captured the 2016 MAAC Basketball Championship on Monday night on the floor at the Times Union Center in Albany.

They beat the Monmouth Hawks, who have gained national attention for their bench celebrations this season - but also for their high-profile wins against Notre Dame, USC, UCLA and Georgetown.

In the tournament final, Iona star AJ English led the way with 19 points. The NBA prospect had 29 in the semifinals against Siena.

Isaiah Williams had 17 points as well as four Iona starters were in double-figures.

For the Hawks, Je'lon Hornbeak led the way with 20 points off the bench while MAAC Player of the Year Justin Robinson had 14 points.

The Hawks still have a shot at the NCAA Tournament because of their signature wins, and ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi thinks they deserve a shot in the dance.

But he adds that the selection committee often isn't kind to mid-major schools on the bubble.