Tarleton State faces off against struggling Iona in Bahamas

In the Bahamas, the Tarleton State Texans and Iona Gaels are set to compete against each other at the Baha Mar Convention Center. This matchup marks the first encounter of the season for both teams, who share identical 1-5 records in non-conference play. The Texans have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 82.0 points per game while being outscored by 23.0 points per game overall. Their performance has seen them shooting 42.1% from the field, which is below the 48.8% that Iona allows to its opponents. On the other side, Iona has faced challenges of their own, as their shooting percentage stands at 36.9%, significantly lower than the 48.0% allowed by Tarleton State. The Gaels have averaged 16.5 turnovers per game, which has hampered their performance, although they were able to secure one win when they won the turnover battle. Dejour Reaves, a standout for Iona, has been averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two steals per game, making him a key player to watch. As both teams prepare to meet, fans will be keen to see if Tarleton State can improve their defensive strategies and overcome their record. With stakes high for both teams looking to shake off their poor seasons, this matchup could provide an opportunity for redemption. The game will be broadcast on Friday at 2 p.m. EST, drawing the attention of supporters from both universities as they aim to gain momentum in the early part of their season. In summary, the outcome of this game is critical for both Tarleton State and Iona as they attempt to establish a foothold in their respective seasons. Winning this game could boost the confidence of either team, while a loss could lead to further struggles as they look to improve their overall records.