The MAAC's regular season won't be over until after the weekend, but Iona already has secured its third regular-season conference championship in the past four seasons, as well as the No. 1 seed in next week's MAAC Tournament in Albany.
With two games remaining before the trek upstate, the Gaels' preparation for what is ahead begins with an opponent which could ultimately be the biggest obstacle to claiming the tournament title.
The past two MAAC champions — Manhattan and Iona — will meet for the second time in two weeks in a potential preview of a third straight conference championship game, Friday night at the Hynes Center in New Rochelle.
Following a 70-67 win in Riverdale on Feb. 13, Iona took a 5-4 lead in head-to-head meetings since Steve Masiello became coach at Manhattan (2011-12), with five of the past six games between the rivals — separated by less than 10 miles — decided by three points or less.
"Guys understand this game means something, and that's why it's always a close game," Gaels forward David Laury said ahead of the home finale. "It's a great test every time we play them. There's nothing held back. The energy is going to be electric."
Entering with 10 straight wins, Iona (23-6, 16-2) could be getting better, likely getting 6-foot-7 swingman Isaiah Williams back following a foot injury which sidelined him for the past 12 games. Prior to the injury, the junior was averaging 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks, while shooting over 46 percent on 3-pointers.
Iona coach Tim Cluess said if Williams plays on Friday, he won't be close to 100 percent healthy, but he will give the team something it has greatly missed in his absence.
"The energy level that he brings is better than anyone on the team," Cluess said. "Though I give our guys a ton of credit for what they've done without him, he helps the motor run better. We are missing him desperately and we're really looking forward to having him back in whatever capacity he can give us. Just being able to put him back on the floor is just a lift for our team."
The lift is necessary against a Jaspers team (15-12, 12-6) which causes more trouble for Iona than any team in the league, forcing the Gaels into 20 turnovers two weeks ago. The defending champions have won seven of their past nine games and can finish anywhere from second to fourth in the league's final standings.
With his team now playing its best, Masiello will get another look at the best in the conference, a team whose fast-paced offense beautifully contrasts with Manhattan's pressure defense.
"[Cluess'] unbelievable offense and our pressure nullify each other and you're left with just two good basketball teams just playing," Masiello said. "As well as they shoot it, I think we turn them over just as well and our two best things offset each other.
"It's what makes this rivalry so much fun. I don't care what level, it's one of the best rivalries there is. It's been so much fun to be a part of."
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