The Iona Gaels (12-15, 10-6 MAAC) wrap up their home schedule at Hynes Athletics Center against the Canisius Golden Griffins (13-14, 10-5 MAAC). The game gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019.
Canisius Golden Griffins at Iona Gaels Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gaels were victorious over the Manhattan Jaspers 66-52, while the Golden Griffins barely escaped the Monmouth Hawks 60-59.
Canisius played a nearly perfect game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.281 (above their season average of 0.220) and a turnover percentage of 18.4 (worse than their season average of 17.1). For those same stats, Monmouth was 0.216 and 22.5, respectively. The Gaels, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.204 vs. 0.054) and held the Jaspers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.438 (below the 0.526 mark opponents have averaged against Iona this season). Iona was led by Ben Perez, who finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Scott Hitchon played a key role for Canisius with 14 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Perez led the Gaels to an 88-70 win. He registered a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Iona was lights out from beyond the arc (14-26; 53.8 percent). Canisius, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 21.4).
The physical Iona offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Gaels rank 70th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.265, while Canisius ranks 272nd in FTA rate allowed (0.255).
Canisius Golden Griffins at Iona Gaels Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Iona, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Canisius ranks 70th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Iona ranks 278th in three pointers allowed per game (26.6).
- The Golden Griffins rank 116th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Gaels rank 140th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Golden Griffins average 14.5 assists per game, which ranks 84th in the country. The Gaels rank 229th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
- Iona ranks 182nd in rebounds per game (34.8) while Canisius ranks 256th (32.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gaels have outscored opponents by an average of 8.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Iona has been defeated by an average of 0.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Golden Griffins have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (6.8 below their season average).
