Oct. 20, 2001

Box Score

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Harry Sutton intercepted a Christian Karolus pass at the Gaels' 15 yard-line with just over a minute remaining to preserve a 21-19 MAAC victory for Iona (3-3/3-2 MAAC). The pick came on the first play of a Siena (1-5/1-3) drive that began at the Iona 34 yard line.

The Saints opened the scoring with 4:37 remaining in the first quarter when Pat McCormack reeled in a 16-yard TD pass from back-up signal caller Dennis Noonan. The completion was the first of Noonan's collegiate career. The scoring play capped off a 13-play, 70-yard drive that came on Siena's initial possession.

Iona answered with a five-play, 27-yard scoring drive, following a Karolus fumble midway through the second quarter. The drive was capped off by a 15-yard TD pass from Jason Collins to Jacko Leonard. Collins was the most effective of three Iona quarterbacks used on the afternoon, completing 5-of-8 passes for 76 yards.

The Saints broke the 7-7 tie with an 11-play, 70 yard drive to start the third quarter. Karolus completed a nicely orchestrated scoring possession with a three-yard scamper. The sophomore quarterback completed 15-of-31 passes on the day for 131 yards, while rushing 16 times for 44 yards. In a critical sequence, the ensuing extra point was blocked-leaving the Saints with a precarious six-point advantage.

Iona began the fourth quarter with consecutive touchdown drives that seemingly put the game away. Bobby Watson was efficient in his only carry of the afternoon, bulling his way into the end zone from two yards out. The extra point was successful, providing Iona with its first lead of the afternoon.

Tom Adams broke free on a draw play and scored from 54-yards out on Iona's next possession to push the Gael lead to eight. But the Saints would not go away.

Karolus found starting cornerback Khalid Rice, who was inserted into the offense for his speed, with a 21-yard TD strike. The quarterback's two-point conversion pass intended for Ryan Hungershafer, however, fell short.

Sophomore standout Dan Smacchia provided the Saints with their final opportunity. The 6-0 linebacker sacked Billy Brieden on a third down play to force a Gaels' punt. Smacchia finished his third consecutive monster week with a game-high 22 tackles-two for loss.