Iona vs. St. Peter's

Guard Steve Burtt and the Iona Gaels put aside all the questions, the frustrations and past bickering to finally come together when it mattered most.
Knowing that he and his fellow seniors could go down as one of Iona's best classes to never win a championship, Burtt scored 28 points to spark an 80-61 victory over St. Peter's in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game Monday night. Burtt was named the tournament MVP in helping Iona clinch its eighth NCAA tournament berth.
"This is what I wanted more than the points, more than the accolades, more than the records," said Burtt. "My career wouldn't have been a success if I didn't get this championship. ... We were destined for this."
Burtt joined his father Steve Burtt Sr., who was named the tournament's MVP when Iona won the MAAC title in 1984.
"I thank that man so much," said Burtt, who leaped into his father's arms and gave him an extended bear hug shortly after the game ended. "I owe it all to him."
Coach Jeff Ruland smiled when discussing the two Burtts.
"This caps off that legacy," Ruland said.