Bracketology 2022: Duke, Indiana, and Houston among week’s losers

Iona Gaels – 19-5 (11-2 in MAAC)

Heading into last week, Iona was unbeaten in league play and looking like a real contender to be an at-large recipient without having to win the MAAC Tournament. However, the New York road trip in conference play proved to be deadly for the team and their resume.

It started last Sunday when the Gaels faced Niagara, a team with a .500 record in both MAAC play and on the season overall. But they played one of their best games collectively of the season at Iona’s expense, pulling off the 80-71 upset. But the conference heavyweight still had some potential breathing room for an at-large spot if they didn’t lose the rest of the way.

Well, that proved not to be an issue either, as Iona lost at Siena on Friday night, 70-64. The Saints have been a pleasant surprise in the MAAC this season, tied for second in the loss column at 8-4. Still, that’s a Quad 4 loss and black eye on the Gaels resume that they won’t be able to make up for.

Wins over Yale, Hofstra, and Liberty have looked better as the season has gone on, while Alabama remains the signature victory for Iona to brag about. But losing to Niagara and now Siena likely takes them out of the at-large picture in any meaningful discussion. It certainly guarantees they can’t lose any more games until the conference tournament finals and that’ll be tough, as Monmouth and Saint Peter’s are due up next.