Richard Pitino, New Mexico Beat Rick Pitino and Iona 82–74

Iona head coach Rick Pitino gestures as his team plays against Alabama in the first half of a first-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Indianapolis on March 20, 2021. Michael Conroy/AP Photo

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—It was a very public two-hour, father-son bonding experience between New Mexico coach Richard Pitino and his dad, noted coach Rick Pitino of Iona, on Sunday.

And in the end, the son prevailed 82–74 as the Lobos (11–0) got 22 points from Jaelen House and 17 from K.J. Jenkins. The Gaels were led by 22 from post Nelly Joseph.