Iona College men’s basketball head coach Rick Pitino earned his 800th win as a college coach in the Gaels’ hard-fought win over Saint Peter’s, 85-77, Sunday at the Hynes Center. A raucous, near capacity crowd witnessed history, not just the milestone victory, but also a 10-0 start to MAAC play, and 9-0 at the Hynes Center for the Maroon & Gold. Six players scored at least nine points in the Game as Iona used a strong second half effort in the win.
THE MILESTONE
Unofficially, Coach Pitino becomes the 15th NCAA Division I coach to be on the sidelines for 800 victories. He joined his friend, University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari who reached the mark last week. Another longtime head coach, Cliff Ellis from Coastal Carolina University hit 800 earlier this season.
