NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play opens Friday with a matchup between early-season contenders as the Iona Gaels host the Quinnipiac Bobcats. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST at Hynes Center. Iona (6-2) enters with momentum after an 89-66 road win at Delaware on Monday, powered by 26 points from CJ Anthony. The Gaels’ offense has topped 89 points in four of their wins. Quinnipiac (5-3) is coming off a 76-62 home victory over Stonehill on Sunday. Amarri Monroe (18 points, 7 rebounds), Jaden Zimmerman (22 points) and Asim Jones (18 points, 4 assists) led a balanced attack. The Bobcats have shown resilience on the road, with a win at Pittsburgh among their five victories. Their three losses have come against power-conference opponents UCF and Saint John’s, and in-state rival Yale. Iona’s two defeats were against Green Bay at home and Akron on a neutral floor. Both teams have protected their home courts, with Quinnipiac at 3-1 and Iona at 3-0. The backcourt battle will be pivotal, featuring Iona’s high-scoring Anthony against Quinnipiac’s trio of Monroe, Zimmerman and Jones. Following this game, Quinnipiac hosts Rider on Sunday. Iona travels to face Sacred Heart the same day.