NCAAB · Final

Fairfield Stags Edge Iona Gaels in Close Contest

Friday, January 30, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Hynes Athletics Center

Fairfield Stags 71, Iona Gaels 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Fairfield Stags vs Iona Gaels?

Fairfield Stags beat Iona Gaels 71-70 at Hynes Athletics Center on January 30, 2026.

Who was favored in Fairfield Stags vs Iona Gaels?

Iona Gaels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling encounter at the Hynes Athletics Center, the Fairfield Stags narrowly defeated the Iona Gaels with a final score of 71-70. This matchup was particularly compelling given that both teams entered the game with identical records of 14-9, making the stakes high for both sides. The contest showcased a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the second half, culminating in a dramatic finish.

Iona Gaels had shown a mixed form leading into the game, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten outings. They were on a two-game winning streak, having recently secured victories against the Manhattan Jaspers (66-57) and the Merrimack Warriors (61-60). At home, Iona had been particularly strong, boasting a 5-0 record in their last five home games, while their overall home record stood at 14-9. They averaged 66.4 points scored and allowed 62.8 points in their last five games, indicating a solid defensive effort.

On the other hand, the Fairfield Stags also entered the game with a 6-4 record over their last ten games and were riding a two-game winning streak themselves. Their recent wins included a hard-fought 61-55 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins and a close 62-61 win against the Niagara Purple Eagles. Fairfield's scoring average in their last five games was 73.0 points, while they allowed 69.0 points, suggesting a more offensive approach compared to Iona.

The previous meetings between these two teams added an extra layer of intrigue. In their last two encounters during the 2025 season, each team had claimed a victory. Iona won decisively at home with an 87-64 scoreline, while Fairfield had triumphed earlier in the season with a close 68-64 win at home. This history of competitive matchups set the stage for another closely contested game.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this important clash.

The betting market reflected the tight nature of the contest, with DraftKings setting the odds at Iona -1.5, indicating a slight favoring of the home team. The total for the game was set at 146.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.

The conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with a vibrant atmosphere as fans from both schools filled the stands, eager to support their teams. The game featured several key moments, particularly in the second half, where scoring plays included a crucial three-point jumper by Toby Harris that tied the game at 65-65, followed by a series of free throws and jump shots that kept the score close until the final buzzer.

As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams. CJ Anthony emerged as a pivotal player for Iona, contributing significantly with critical free throws and a step-back three-pointer that briefly gave Iona a lead. However, it was Halon Rawlins of Fairfield who ultimately sealed the game with a free throw that put the Stags ahead for good.

The final moments underscored the intensity of the matchup, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their resilience. Fairfield's ability to execute under pressure allowed them to secure the win, while Iona's efforts fell just short in a game that could have gone either way. The outcome not only impacted the standings but also added another chapter to the rivalry between these two closely matched programs.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	IONA -1.5	146.5 o -112 / u -108	Fairfield Stags +114 · Iona Gaels -135

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsCJ Anthony20Iona Gaels
AssistsCJ Anthony3Iona Gaels
ReboundsKosy Akametu6Iona Gaels
PointsBraden Sparks27Fairfield Stags
AssistsBrandon Benjamin5Fairfield Stags
ReboundsBrandon Benjamin15Fairfield Stags

Recent form

Iona Gaels

Last 10: 6-4Streak W265.8 scored · 66.6 allowed per game5-0 at home

W66-57vs Manhattan JaspersJan 25
W61-60vs Merrimack WarriorsJan 23
L63-77at Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 19
L68-72at Rider BroncsJan 15
W74-48vs Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 11
W71-53vs Niagara Purple EaglesJan 10
L38-83at Marist Red FoxesJan 4
W75-72vs Siena SaintsJan 3
L59-66at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersDec 30
W83-78at Vermont CatamountsDec 20

Fairfield Stags

Last 10: 6-4Streak W278.4 scored · 69.5 allowed per game1-3 away

W61-55vs Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 25
W62-61vs Niagara Purple EaglesJan 23
L77-85at Siena SaintsJan 19
L67-82at Marist Red FoxesJan 17
W98-62vs Manhattan JaspersJan 15
W68-62vs Rider BroncsJan 10
W83-75at Niagara Purple EaglesJan 4
L81-85at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 2
L66-70vs Saint Peter's PeacocksDec 30
W121-58vs City College NY BeaversDec 23

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Merrimack	23-11	-	17-3
Saint Peter's	17-12	3	14-6
Siena	23-12	4	13-7
Marist	19-12	5	12-8
Quinnipiac	19-13	5	12-8
Fairfield	21-13	6	11-9
Mount St. Mary's	15-17	6	11-9
Iona	18-14	7	10-10
Sacred Heart	14-19	8	9-11
Manhattan	12-20	9	8-12
Canisius	10-21	12	5-15
Niagara	8-22	12	5-15
Rider	4-25	14	3-17

Box score

Stat	Fairfield Stags	Iona Gaels
Field goals	27-65	23-55
Field goal %	42	42
Three-pointers	8-24	10-26
Three-point %	33	38
Free throws	9-14	14-17
Free throw %	64	82
Rebounds	42	31
Offensive rebounds	21	11
Defensive rebounds	21	20
Assists	13	9
Steals	7	10
Blocks	3	1
Turnovers	11	11
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	21	15
Fast-break points	18	6
Points in the paint	32	26
Fouls	12	13
Largest lead	5	8
Lead changes	11	11
Time in front	25	58

How the scoring went

1st Half34-33Brandon Benjamin makes layup (Braden Sparks assists)
1st Half34-35Lamin Sabally makes driving layup
2nd Half36-35Braden Sparks makes 11-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half36-38Toby Harris makes 25-foot three pointer
2nd Half36-40Kosy Akametu makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half38-40Braden Sparks makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half38-42Lamin Sabally makes 3-foot hook shot
2nd Half40-42Declan Wucherpfennig makes 2-foot dunk (Brandon Benjamin assists)
2nd Half42-42Declan Wucherpfennig makes driving layup
2nd Half42-44CJ Anthony makes driving layup
2nd Half44-44Tony Williams makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Braden Sparks assists)
2nd Half44-47Denver Anglin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alliou Fall assists)
2nd Half47-47Braden Sparks makes 23-foot three point jumper (Declan Wucherpfennig assists)
2nd Half50-47Braden Sparks makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brandon Benjamin assists)
2nd Half50-50CJ Anthony makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lamin Sabally assists)
2nd Half53-50Braden Sparks makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tony Williams assists)
2nd Half53-52Alliou Fall makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half55-52Declan Wucherpfennig makes driving layup
2nd Half55-54CJ Anthony makes driving layup
2nd Half55-55Alliou Fall makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-56Alliou Fall makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half56-56Declan Wucherpfennig makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half57-56Declan Wucherpfennig makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-57Alliou Fall makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-57Declan Wucherpfennig makes 2-foot dunk
2nd Half59-58CJ Anthony makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-59CJ Anthony makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half61-59Deuce Turner makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half64-59Halon Rawlins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Declan Wucherpfennig assists)
2nd Half64-60Denver Anglin makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half64-61Denver Anglin makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half64-62Denver Anglin makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half65-62Brandon Benjamin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-65Toby Harris makes 26-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half65-66CJ Anthony makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-67CJ Anthony makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-67Braden Sparks makes driving layup
2nd Half67-70CJ Anthony makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
2nd Half70-70Braden Sparks makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
2nd Half71-70Halon Rawlins makes free throw 1 of 2