LAS VEGAS – Despite a career-high 26-point effort from redshirt-senior John Carroll, Hartford men's basketball came up short to Iona, 80-75, in the Consolation Game of the MGM Resorts Main Event Tournament on Wednesday. 
 
E.J. Crawford scored 19 points for the Gaels, who shot 57 percent (28-of-49), including 45 percent (9-of-20) from behind the arc. Hartford dips to 1-5 with the defeat, while Iona improves to 2-2.
 
IONA 80, HARTFORD 75
 
A sluggish start for both teams changed when Asante Gist knocked down a three to give Iona its largest lead of the game at 11 with 3:25 left in the first half. But Hartford gained momentum at the end of the half, using an 8-2 run to close the gap to five (38-33) at the break. Carroll scored 15 of his game-best 26 during that span.
 
The Hawks remained within striking distance for the entire second half, and with 4:52 remaining, senior Jason Dunne knocked down a long three to give Hartford a lead at 65-64. But the Gaels retook the lead on their next possession on a layup by Tajuan Agee, and they would relinquish the advantage down the stretch. With the game knotted up at 68-all, Iona iced the game from the free-throw line, going 13-of-18 over the final 2:41.
 
INSIDE THE BOX AND NOTES:

• The Hawks shot a season-best 47.4 percent in the defeat (27-of-57), but went just 26.3 percent from behind the arc (5-of-19).
• Senior J.R. Lynch and Dunne also finished in double figures, scoring 15 and 10 points, respectively.
• Senior George Blagojevic came one rebound short of his second double-double of the season, matching a game-best nine rebounds.
• Dunne tied a game-high in assists, dishing out a season-high five.

 
NEXT ON TAP
Hartford returns home for the first time since opening day on Saturday to host Western New England. Tipoff between the Hawks and Golden Bears is set for 2 p.m. from Reich Family Pavilion. Fans can purchase tickets by clicking here.