NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Bryant men’s basketball team faced Iona on Wednesday night and lost 69-63. Despite the defeat, there were bright spots, particularly Aaron Davis III, who scored a career-high 18 points. Timofei Rudovskii also impressed with a double-double, contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs struggled early, trailing by more than ten points in the first half. However, they clawed back, showcasing their best three-point shooting of the season. At one point, they even tied the game at 32-32 just before halftime and again at 48-48 in the second half.
Davis, making his first start this season, was sharp from beyond the arc, hitting 6-of-8 three-point attempts. Rudovskii also shined, hitting 5-of-10 from three. The pair’s efforts put pressure on Iona, but missed opportunities and turnovers (17 total) ultimately hurt Bryant.
In the last few minutes, Iona’s Lamin Sabally made critical plays, including two big dunks that helped secure their win. Though Bryant pulled back within striking distance, they couldn’t overcome Iona’s late-game execution.
Game Insights
- Three-Point Shooting: Bryant’s 15 three-pointers mark a season high, a vital aspect of their offense that could be crucial moving forward. Historically, their last high was against Drexel in December 2023.
- Rebounding: Despite the loss, Bryant out-rebounded Iona 38-31, indicating strength under the basket.
- Player Development: Davis and Rudovskii’s performances suggest promising potential for the team as they respond to increased playing time.
The Bulldogs are now 3-8 for the season. They’ll hope to bounce back during their next game against Marist on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Keeping up the energy and learning from this tight contest will be key as they seek to improve their record.
Recent Trends
Basketball teams across the NCAA have embraced three-point shooting, with many players focusing on developing their long-range accuracy. In recent seasons, the emphasis on this skill has transformed gameplay, leading to higher scores and more dynamic matches. A notable statistic: In the 2021-2022 season, NCAA teams made a combined total of 41,144 three-pointers, up 5% from the previous season.
This growing trend suggests that schools like Bryant that cultivate sharpshooters might better position themselves for future success in a rapidly changing game.
