GAME NOTES: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action will take place this afternoon when they Loyola-Maryland Greyhounds get set to host the Iona Gaels at Reitz Arena. The Gaels enter this matchup in the midst of a small losing skid, as the squad has dropped its last three games, including a 74-67 setback to Niagara this past Thursday. Iona has been terrible on the road this season, posting a mere 2-7 mark away from home. After this game, the Gaels will have the luxury of hosting five of their next six matchups. As for the Greyhounds, they have dropped six of their last seven contests, including three in a row. The last time Loyola was on the court the team suffered a heartbreaking, 69-67 setback to Fairfield. The Greyhounds are just 5-8 on the season, however at Reitz Arena the squad is a solid 4-1. The Gaels have a commanding 36-9 advantage over Loyola-Maryland in the all-time series and that includes a 92-68 victory over the Greyhounds this past season.

The Gaels are shooting a solid 46.0 percent from the field on the season, but at the same time the team is committing a whopping 19.6 turnovers per matchup. As a whole this squad is netting 69.1 ppg, while being led by Dexter Gray, who is averaging 12.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg. However, the forward has a team-high 49 turnovers on the year. Gary Springer has missed some time during the season, but when on the court the big man has played well, netting 10.9 ppg, while also grabbing 7.9 rpg. Milan Prodanovic and Devon Clarke have also contributed this season, posting 10.3 ppg apiece. The last time Iona was on the court, the team shot a mere 41.7 percent from the floor and committed a whopping 24 turnovers. Springer led the squad with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Clarke added 16 points in just 22 minutes of action off the bench. Rashon Dwight and Gray both chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds apiece.

Consistency has been a tremendous issue for Loyola, as the team is currently posting 69.5 ppg, while shooting a mere 41.2 percent from the field. Gerald Brown is leading the squad with 19.3 ppg on the season, despite shooting well below 40.0 percent. The only other player posting double figures is Marquis Sullivan who is netting 11.6 ppg. The last time the Greyhounds were on the court the team shot 44.1 percent from the floor, but made a mere 6-of-22 attempts from behind the arc. Marquis Sullivan led the way in the setback with 16 points, while Omari Isreal added 15 points and six boards. As for Brown, he contributed 12 points, along with Michael Tuck, who also posted 12 points and collected six rebounds.

The Gaels need to control their mistakes if they want to collect a win this afternoon. If Iona can shut down Brown and play smart basketball, the team could grab another league victory.