The Niagara Purple Eagles (7-8, 0-2 MAAC) welcome the Iona Gaels (4-9, 2-0 MAAC) to Gallagher Center. The Gaels will attempt to snap a seven-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 11, 2019.
Iona Gaels vs. Niagara Purple Eagles ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Purple Eagles defeated the St. Bonaventure Bonnies 80-72, while the Gaels beat the Albany Great Danes 72-68.
Iona played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 16.0 and a free throw rate of 0.281. For those same stats, Albany put up marks of 25.3 and 0.259, respectively. Meanwhile, Niagara dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.306 and a turnover percentage of 14.1. St. Bonaventure was 0.029 and 17.8, respectively, for those same stats. Marvin Prochet played a pivotal role for Niagara with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Rickey McGill led the way for Iona, contributing 12 points and nine assists.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Purple Eagles won the last matchup 85-84. One of Niagara’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 25 trips to the line, while Iona went 15 times. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
E.J. Crawford and McGill have played well over the last five games for Iona. Crawford has averaged 0 points per game, while McGill has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Iona does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 36th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.292), but Niagara is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 13th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.162).
Iona Gaels at Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Niagara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Iona ranks 41st in steals per game (8.1) while Niagara ranks 207th (4.2).
- The Purple Eagles rank 161st in assists allowed per game (14.3) while the Gaels rank 230th (17.6).
- Niagara ranks 53rd in blocks per game (4.2) while Iona ranks 104th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Purple Eagles rank 84th in rebounds per game (37.7) while the Gaels rank 230th (33.5).
- Niagara ranks 131st in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while Iona ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Purple Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 3.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
