Iona Gaels Defeat Vermont Catamounts 83-78
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Patrick Gymnasium
Iona Gaels 83, Vermont Catamounts 78, 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 Iona Gaels vs Vermont Catamounts?
Iona Gaels beat Vermont Catamounts 83-78 at Patrick Gymnasium on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Iona Gaels vs Vermont Catamounts?
Vermont Catamounts were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup at Patrick Gymnasium, the Iona Gaels emerged victorious against the Vermont Catamounts with a final score of 83-78. This victory marks Iona's first win against Vermont in their head-to-head history, improving their record to 1-0 against the Catamounts. The Gaels, now boasting a 10-4 overall record, have demonstrated resilience, particularly in their recent performances, where they have averaged 77.7 points per game while allowing 77.8.
Iona's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games. They entered this contest on a one-game losing streak, having lost to St. John's Red Storm with a score of 64-91. Prior to that, they had secured wins against teams such as the Bryant Bulldogs and Sacred Heart Pioneers. Their away record stands at 3-2, indicating a competitive spirit on the road, although they faced some challenges against stronger opponents.
Conversely, Vermont has been on a positive trajectory, winning three consecutive games leading into this matchup. Their overall record now stands at 8-7, with a home record of 2-3. The Catamounts have averaged 73.8 points scored per game while allowing 74.2. Their recent performances included wins against Siena Saints and Merrimack Warriors, showcasing their ability to compete at home.
The game featured several pivotal moments, particularly in the second half. Gus Yalden was instrumental for Iona, hitting crucial three-pointers that helped maintain their lead. His performance included a 23-foot three-point jumper that pushed the score to 77-74 in favor of Iona. Keshawn Williams also contributed significantly with a step-back jump shot, further extending their lead.
In terms of injury reports, there were no significant injuries affecting either team during this matchup, allowing both sides to field their best players. This contributed to the competitive nature of the game, with both teams displaying their full capabilities.
The betting odds, as provided by DraftKings, favored Vermont with a spread of -6.5, indicating expectations of a close game. The total points line was set at 152.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring potential from both teams. The home money line for Vermont was listed at -258.0, while Iona's money line stood at 210.0, showcasing the perceived strength of the home team.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a mid-December evening, with fans filling the stands to support their respective teams. The atmosphere was electric, contributing to the intensity of the game.
Viewers should have noted the strategic plays and adjustments made by both coaches throughout the game. Iona's ability to capitalize on three-point opportunities and free throws in the closing moments proved decisive. As the game progressed, it became clear that Iona's experience and composure in high-pressure situations played a crucial role in their victory.
This matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also set the stage for both teams as they move forward in their respective seasons. Iona's win against Vermont could serve as a confidence booster as they continue to navigate their schedule.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVM -6.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | Iona Gaels +210 · Vermont Catamounts -258 |
Leaders
- PointsGus Yalden24Vermont Catamounts
- AssistsSean Blake4Vermont Catamounts
- ReboundsTJ Hurley9Vermont Catamounts
- PointsToby Harris26Iona Gaels
- AssistsAlliou Fall3Iona Gaels
- ReboundsKosy Akametu6Iona Gaels
Recent form
Vermont Catamounts
Last 10: 5-5Streak W373.8 scored · 74.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W83-69vs Siena SaintsDec 18
- W66-59vs Merrimack WarriorsDec 14
- W65-56at Pepperdine WavesDec 6
- L58-80at Oregon State BeaversDec 4
- L74-77vs Yale BulldogsNov 30
- W79-74at Princeton TigersNov 26
- L65-80vs Rhode Island RamsNov 25
- L73-79vs Liberty FlamesNov 24
- L90-94at Buffalo BullsNov 18
- W85-74at Northeastern HuskiesNov 15
Iona Gaels
Last 10: 6-4Streak L177.7 scored · 77.8 allowed per game3-2 away
- L64-91at St. John's Red StormDec 13
- W69-63vs Bryant BulldogsDec 11
- W81-69at Sacred Heart PioneersDec 7
- L68-89vs Quinnipiac BobcatsDec 6
- W89-66at Delaware Blue HensDec 2
- L75-80vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 24
- W91-84at Oregon State BeaversNov 22
- L75-96at Akron ZipsNov 21
- W89-69vs Princeton TigersNov 19
- W76-71vs Fordham RamsNov 15
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 |
| UMBC | 24-9 | - | 14-2 |
| Vermont | 22-12 | 2 | 12-4 |
| NJIT | 16-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| UMass Lowell | 15-18 | 5 | 9-7 |
| UAlbany | 11-21 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Maine | 8-24 | 8 | 6-10 |
| New Hampshire | 9-21 | 9 | 5-11 |
| Bryant | 9-22 | 9 | 5-11 |
| Binghamton | 8-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
Box score
| Stat | Iona Gaels | Vermont Catamounts |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-55 | 30-67 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 6-17 | 9-31 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 29 |
| Free throws | 17-24 | 9-14 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 22 |
| Assists | 5 | 9 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 32 |
| Fouls | 11 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 49 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-47Kosy Akametu makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-48Sean Blake makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Sean Blake makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-51Sean Blake makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-51Keshawn Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-54Trey Woodyard makes 23-foot three point jumper (TJ Long assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Toby Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Toby Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57TJ Long makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sean Blake assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Sean Blake makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-59Toby Harris makes layup
- 2nd Half53-59Toby Harris makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half53-62Ben Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lucas Mari assists)
- 2nd Half55-62Toby Harris makes 1-foot dunk (Alliou Fall assists)
- 2nd Half55-64Lucas Mari makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-64Toby Harris makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half57-64Toby Harris makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half58-64Toby Harris makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half59-64Toby Harris makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half60-64Toby Harris makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half61-64Toby Harris makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half61-65Gus Yalden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Kosy Akametu makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-65Keshawn Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half67-65Keshawn Williams makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half67-67TJ Hurley makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half67-68TJ Hurley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-68Toby Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-68Toby Harris makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alliou Fall assists)
- 2nd Half72-71TJ Hurley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gus Yalden assists)
- 2nd Half74-71Lamin Sabally makes layup
- 2nd Half77-71Kosy Akametu makes 26-foot three point jumper (Keshawn Williams assists)
- 2nd Half77-74Gus Yalden makes 23-foot three point jumper (Noah Barnett assists)
- 2nd Half79-74Keshawn Williams makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half79-75Gus Yalden makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half80-75Toby Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-75Toby Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-78Gus Yalden makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sean Blake assists)
- 2nd Half82-78Denver Anglin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-78Denver Anglin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Vermont Catamounts, below favours Iona Gaels.
Venue
- Patrick GymnasiumBurlington, VT
- Attendance2180
- OfficialsTim Smith, Michael Nardone, Mike Evans
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