The Iona Gaels (13-15, 11-6 MAAC) will bring the regular season to an end on the road when they meet the Rider Broncs (15-13, 10-6 MAAC) at Alumni Gymnasium. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 1, 2019.
Iona Gaels at Rider Broncs Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Broncs defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles 97-81, while the Gaels beat the Canisius Golden Griffins 87-80.
Iona dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.442 (above their season average of 0.265) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.0 (above their season average of 25.7). Canisius was 0.133 and 32.3, respectively, for those same stats. The Broncs, meanwhile, forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.567 (above their season average of 0.502). Rider received a boost from Stevie Jordan, who finished with 21 points and six assists. Rickey McGill, meanwhile led the way for Iona, contributing 30 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, McGill led the Gaels to a 77-71 win. He recorded 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Iona’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Rider. The Gaels had a rate of 0.516 while the Broncs posted a mark of 0.440.
It could be a sloppy game for the Iona offense. Iona ranks 121st in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.0 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Rider forces the 19th-most turnovers in the nation (23.2 percent).
Iona Gaels at Rider Broncs ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rider, ATS Winner – Iona, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Iona ranks 59th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Rider ranks 241st in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
- The Broncs rank eighth in steals per game (9.3) while the Gaels rank 89th (6.8).
- Rider blocks 3.3 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 111th in the country. Iona ranks 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Broncs average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 88th in the country. The Gaels rank 240th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- Rider ranks 83rd in rebounds per game (37.0) while Iona ranks 224th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (6.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (15.5 below their season average).
- The Broncs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 1.8 for the season.
