The Rider Broncs (16-14, 11-7 MAAC) battle against the Siena Saints (16-15, 11-7 MAAC) in the Metro Atlantic Conference Tourney at Times Union Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Rider Broncs at Siena Saints ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Saints defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles 72-65, while the Broncs beat the Marist Red Foxes 75-64.
Rider played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.373 (above their season average of 0.245) and a turnover percentage of 16.7 (worse than their season average of 15.8). Marist was 0.228 and 21.8, respectively, for those same stats. The Saints, on the other hand, had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 7.7 (better than their season average of 14.3) and had a free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.158). Siena’s Jalen Pickett had a good outing, contributing 27 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Rider was led by Stevie Jordan, who had 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Broncs’ Stevie Jordan has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 16 points,5.6 assists,2.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Jalen Pickett has averaged 19 points,8.8 assists,6.2 rebounds,2.4 steals,1.4 blocks during that same time frame for the Saints.
Ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Siena commits the 21st-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of Rider forces the 18th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.0 percent). It will also be a tale of two styles as the up-tempo Broncs rank 30th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Saints rank 351st.
Rider vs. Siena Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Siena, ATS Winner – Siena, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Siena ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Rider ranks 242nd (24.9).
- The Broncs rank sixth in steals per game (9.2) while the Saints rank 151st (5.9).
- Siena ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Rider ranks 136th (3.6).
- The Broncs rank 80th in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Saints rank 289th (29.6).
- Siena ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while Rider ranks 231st (15.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Saints have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (10.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (6.1 above their season average).
- The Broncs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 1.8 for the season.
