Quinnipiac (6-9, 4-7 MAAC) welcomed Iona (6-5, 4-3 MAAC) to the People’s United Center for a much-anticipated matchup, and came out with a strong 74-70 win.

The Bobcats came into the game with three straight losses and were determined to get back on the right foot.

“We have had a lot of adversity and I am really excited to see our team fighting through that adversity,” head coach Baker Dunleavy said.

Final score in Hamden:
Quinnipiac: 74
Iona: 70

Quinnipiac's next games is a two game weekend series against Rider. pic.twitter.com/YvCczn96PL

— Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network (@QBSN) February 17, 2021

However, the Bobcats’ struggles from previous games continued in the beginning of the first half, as they shot 0-4 from beyond the arc. It was not until the 14-minute mark when Quinnipiac was finally able to find their rhythm from deep.

Senior Jacob Rigoni and first-year Luis Kortright both made key three-pointers that narrowed the Gaels’ lead.

Even though Quinnipiac was starting to get back into its routine, Iona did not back down, as guard Isaiah Ross found his way past the Quinnipiac defense on multiple occasions and led his team in scoring with 18 points.

Momentum constantly shifted between the teams, as each squad quickly exchanged baskets in a matter of time.

Quinnipiac’s Tyrese Williams ended up being the game’s x-factor. He found his shot near the end of the half, scoring nine points and finally giving Quinnipiac some separation on the scoreboard, up 34-25 at the half.

“It was a confidence booster,” Williams said. “Just to know when we put the work in, it does not go to waste.”

The Bobcats got off to a slow start once again in the second half. Iona wenton a 6-0 run and the Quinnipiac offense did not have any answers to stop the scoring drought.

Luckily, Quinnipiac had Williams’s consistent play to fall back on. He created various opportunities for himself at the foul line and made his mark from deep.

“When we put together 40 minutes of concentration, we have the ability to be a good team,” Dunleavy said.

The Bobcats’ concentration was showcased on the court during the defining moments of the game. After a missed a three-pointer, J.J. Riggins was able to pounce on the ball for an offensive rebound. Then, Riggins took a shot of his own, but was unable to connect. Out of nowhere, forward Tymu Chenery grabbed the rebound and forcefully slammed Riggins’s miss into the net.

Chenery was also the target for the full-court pass play that Dunleavy drew up for a late-game inbound. Kortright heaved the pass to Chenery, who found himself wide open for another dunk.

The two plays presented were both game-changers for the Bobcats, letting them walk away with their first victory in 10 days. With the victory, Quinnipiac breaks its three-game losing streak and has improved its record to 6-9. Meanwhile, it’s a disappointing loss for Iona, which now sits at 6-5.

The Bobcats will look to continue their momentum from today’s triumph, as they are set to face the Rider Broncs at the People’s United Center on Saturday.