In his first year back in college basketball, coach Rick Pitino is returning to the NCAA tournament after Iona defeated Fairfield 60–51 to win the MAAC championship. This is the fifth conference championship in a row for the Gaels.
Iona was led by senior Asante Gist with 18 points and freshman Nelly Junior Joseph registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Fairfield's leading scorer was junior Jake Wojcik with 13 points but the team only shot 30.2% from the field while Iona shot 44%
On their way to the conference championship, No. 9 Iona upset No.