Machado’s 24 points, Rodriguez’s 17 boards lead Iona to 69-49 victory over Rider

Iona has no problems with Rider in 69-49 win

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — Scott Machado scored a career-high 24 points and Alejo Rodriguez had 17 rebounds to lead Iona to a 69-49 victory over Rider on Saturday.

Machado, a sophomore, hit six field goals and was 11-for-14 from the line to break his previous career high of 20, set against Norfolk State on Nov. 21.

His jumper gave the Gaels (10-6, 2-3 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) a 27-21 lead with 5:13 left in the first half, and he followed that with a free throw for a 28-22 advantage. Machado hit two more free throws for a 37-26 halftime lead.

Rider (9-8, 2-3) cut the lead to 45-38 on Ryan Thompson’s free throws with 10:17 to play in the game, but could get no closer. The Broncs shot only 33.3 percent from the field (7-for-21) in the second half.

Rashon Dwight scored 12 and Mike McFadden added 10 for the Broncs.

Thompson scored 14 points and Justin Robinson added 10 for Rider.