Albany, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - A.J. English poured in 32 points as the top- seeded Iona Gaels held off the No. 8 seed Siena Saints for a 74-71 victory in the quarterfinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament at the Times Union Center.

Isaiah Williams registered a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for Iona (25-7), which also received a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards courtesy of David Laury. The Gaels will advance to face the winner of the second round matchup between Monmouth and Canisius in the semifinals.

Lavon Long led the Saints (11-20) with 17 points. Ryan Oliver contributed 16 points for Siena, while Rob Poole chipped in 14 points.

The Gaels took a 45-37 lead into the intermission after they connected on 7- of-13 attempts from 3-point range and converted 12-of-16 shots at the free- throw line in the opening stanza. Siena committed 10 personal fouls and seven turnovers before the break.

The Saints narrowed the gap in the second period as they assisted 10 of their 13 makes from the floor and outscored Iona, 6-2, at the charity stripe. Siena managed to make it a one-possession contest late in the contest, but English scored five points over the final 35 seconds of regulation to put it out of reach.

Iona outscored Siena, 30-9, from 3-point range.