NEW YORK (AP)—Manhattan finished off its MAAC conference regular-season championship Sunday night by beating Iona 69-57 as Jared Johnson scored a career-high 23 points.
Johnson added a game-high 12 rebounds and six blocks for the Jaspers (21-6, 14-4), and Luis Flores had 21 points. Manhattan earned a bye until the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic tournament in Trenton, N.J.
Ricky Soliver scored 19 points for the Gaels (16-11, 11-7), who wound up fifth in the MAAC.
Johnson scored 15 points in the first half as Manhattan overcame an early deficit to lead 26-24 at halftime.
The Jaspers never trailed in the second half, but the game was tied three times, the last at 41 after Soliver sank two free throws with 11:49 remaining.
Iona shot only 36.7 percent from the floor while committing 27 turnovers.
Manhattan converted 22 of 27 free throws, including five in the final 1:34.
Jason Wingate added nine points for the Jaspers, who won two of three meetings with Iona this season.
Maceo Wofford had nine points and Steve Smith eight for the Gaels.
