When people saw this year's bracket release, I think a lot of people circled to make sure they tuned into this game. What would a fan not want in March than a first-round game like this. A historic name like Pitino back into the big dance looking to work his way back into a high major. Then UConn and their program rise back up and look to make another run at a title.
1st half
These two teams came out firing and it was a back-and-forth backyard fight to start. The teams couldn't slow down and produced multiple big-time baskets in the first four minutes alone. Iona would call the first timeout with the score (11-14) in Huskie's favor. Iona opened a scorching (6-9) from the field including four early three-pointers to give Iona a lead at (18-14). The pace of this game was insane, and it was just up and down trip after trip. Leading to a timeout and a (18-17) one point edge for Iona. From there Iona cooled off and UConn seemed to find a groove. Hitting a couple threes and followed by a big-time dunk. UConn found themselves in a small moment of control heading into a break. Up (27-23) over Iona at the under eight media timeout. After a (7-10) start from the field Iona went (2-11) until the 6:45 mark. Runs are the name of the game and Iona got theirs right back. To jump in front (30-27) the game was right back in the thick of it. The teams would have a battle in the final seconds of the half and was neck and neck. Neither team led by more than four in the final two minutes. The halftime score would read Iona 39 UConn 37. Iona (6-11) from deep and the Huskies were (7-16).
2nd half
UConn came out swinging and forced an early timeout from Iona after it was quickly a Husky five-point lead just a couple moments into second half play. The Huskies came out on fire and went on a 15-4 run to extend out to a (52-43) lead at the first timeout of the second half. Iona didn't even look like it had room to breathe on offense. Just 1-6 from the field to begin the final stanza. UConn would continue their tear as they shot (10-14) over the first nine minutes in the second half. Iona didn't have much a chance to respond, and UConn would outscore Iona (26-13) to the 10-minute mark. Sanogo would be leading the charge for the Huskies as he became anchored in. UConn would hold a consistent 10-point lead in the middle portion of the half. Rolling into a timeout with 8:23 left in the game the score read UConn 67 Iona 55. It just kept getting worse from there for Iona. The Huskies just keep on going and rode it all the way out to a 17-point lead all but sealing the deal with 5:45 left. The swing and heat of UConn was just too much to deal with. Once the wind left Iona's sail they couldn't restore it and UConn just kept putting it on. Reaching a 20 plus point lead late. The Final Score would read UConn 87 Iona 63.
Closing
UConn just had their way in the second half. Outscoring Iona by 26 points and just not looking back once they extended out a lead. They will meet St. Mary's in the Round of 32 on Sunday afternoon.