Iona defeats Tarleton State with Dejour Reaves' 17 points

On November 29, 2024, in Nassau, Bahamas, the Iona Gaels faced off against the Tarleton State Texans in a basketball match during the Baha Mar Hoops tournament. Iona emerged victorious with a score of 62-51. Dejour Reaves played a pivotal role in the game by scoring 17 points, helping his team improve their season record to 2-5. Alongside Reaves, Justin Menard contributed 13 points, showcasing his shooting ability with a solid performance from beyond the arc, going 3-for-7 in 3-point shooting. Adam Njie also played an essential role by adding nine points to the total. On the other side, Tarleton State was led by Bubu Benjamin, who had an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and collecting seven rebounds, although his efforts were not enough to secure a win. Teammate Izzy Miles added 10 points, while Jordan Mizell contributed with eight points and three steals. The loss for the Texans marked a challenging stage in their season, leaving them with a record of 1-6. The match was part of a larger tournament featuring multiple teams and has implications for the momentum of both teams as they continue through the season. This game clearly highlighted the talent of Iona's roster, particularly through Reaves' scoring and Menard's ability to stretch the floor. This victory not only boosts Iona's spirits but also reflects the importance of team cohesion and individual contributions in the format of tournament play where every game impacts final standings. Tarleton State, having struggled this season, faces a significant challenge in regrouping and finding a way to translate individual performances into wins. In conclusion, the matchup showcased the competitive nature of college basketball at the moment as teams strive to achieve their season objectives while also entertaining fans at the tournament. The games are vital opportunities for both Iona and Tarleton State to assess their strategies and formations moving forward, especially considering the early portions of the season where teams are still working out rotations and chemistry on the court.