The Iona Gaels led a blistering pace in the first half, taking a 55-40 lead during Tuesday night's 2012 NCAA Tournament First Four game against the BYU Cougars. They scored just 17 points after intermission, however, at one point missing 3-pointers on seven straight possessions during a 9:13 stretch without a point.
BYU scored steadily throughout the half, finally overtaking the Gaels, 72-71, with 2:28 to go in the game on a Noah Hartsock 3-pointer. He finished with 23 points to lead all players on the night, going 10-for-14 from the field.
The Gaels shot just 24.1 percent from the floor in the second half, going 1-for-15 from beyond the arc. Scott Machado was brilliant running the point at times, finishing with 15 points and 10 assists to five turnovers. His teammates were lacking, however. Sean Armand and Mike Glover had just two points between them in the second half after combining for 20 in the first.
Brandon Davies also had a nice night for the Cougars, scoring 18 points with 15 rebounds. With the win, BYU advances to the field of 64 to play the Marquette Golden Eagles at 2:45 p.m. ET on Thursday. Iona goes home, but not before giving fans a heck of a show.
For more NCAA Tournament coverage, be sure to check out our tournament stream, SB Nation's tournament hub and SB Nation New York. Also make sure to check out our NCAA Tournament Printable Bracket stream.
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