Casimir's 24 lead Iona over Rider 78-68

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) Schadrac Casimir had 24 points with four 3-pointers and Iona scored the last eight points in a 78-68 victory over Rider on Thursday.

Iona (14-6, 7-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) held the Broncs scoreless for the final 3:13 while Casimir and Vangelis Bebis hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Casimir added a pair of free throws.

The Gaels led 41-33 at the break and stayed in front the entire second half, but Rider (12-8, 6-3) whittled the gap down to 63-62 and trailed only 70-68 on Jimmy Taylor's 3-pointer.

Rider jumped out to lead 31-23 before Iona closed the first half on an 18-2 run.

David Laury added 20 points and 14 rebounds, Bebis scored 16 and A.J. English had nine points, nine rebounds and seven assists for Iona.

Matt Lopez had 19 points and 14 rebounds for Rider. Xavier Lundy scored 14 and Teddy Okereafor had 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.