Preview: Fairfield Stags at Iona Gaels NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Interstat) — A pivotal Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference clash is set for Friday when the Iona Gaels host the Fairfield Stags at Hynes Center. Both teams enter with winning records and momentum from weekend victories. Iona (14-8 overall) sits a game ahead of Fairfield (13-9) in the conference standings. The Gaels are coming off a 66-57 home win over Manhattan on Saturday, led by a 23-point performance from Kosy Akametu. The Stags edged Canisius 61-55 the same day, their second straight win. The matchup features two of the MAAC’s top performers. Fairfield will rely on forward Brandon Benjamin, who has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games. He is averaging 16.1 points and 6.4 rebounds over that stretch, including a 23-point, 9-rebound effort in a win at Niagara on Jan. 4. Iona counters with Akametu, a versatile guard who erupted for 23 points against Manhattan. His scoring punch has been key for a Gaels squad that has won three of its last four, with the lone loss a 77-63 defeat at Saint Peter’s. Iona has defended its home court well this season, while Fairfield has shown resilience on the road, including an 83-75 victory at Niagara earlier this month. The Stags’ offense, which put up 98 points in a rout of Manhattan on Jan. 14, will be tested by a Iona defense that held its last two opponents under 61 points. The game is a critical mid-conference season test for both teams’ upper-division aspirations. Fairfield seeks a third consecutive win to climb the standings, while Iona aims to protect its home floor and solidify its position near the top. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Fairfield hosts Quinnipiac on Sunday, Feb. 1. Iona travels to face Siena on Thursday, Feb. 5.