Rick Pitino logs first college hoops win in 3 years as Iona beats Hofstra

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Rick Pitino won his first college basketball game in more than three years on Saturday when Iona defeated Hofstra 82-74.

Pitino took over at Iona in March after not having coached in college since being fired from Louisville in October 2017.

"I'm real excited," Pitino said. "Hofstra is a team that is picked to win their league, and this is a good victory for us."

Guard Isaiah Ross helped power the Gaels' victory, scoring a career-high 33 points.

Nelly Junior Joseph had 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks for Iona (1-1). Dylan van Eyck added 14 points. Berrick JeanLouis had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Tareq Coburn scored a career-high 28 points for the Pride (1-2). Isaac Kante added 17 points. Jalen Ray had 15 points.

Iona lost its season opener to Seton Hall 86-64.

"Look, the first year is always the most difficult," Pitino, 68, said. "All of the players are new to this system. But the good thing is our players have so much upside to get better. And that's exciting."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.