The Canisius Golden Griffins (8-11, 5-2 MAAC) will be at the Gallagher Center to take on the Niagara Purple Eagles (10-11, 3-5 MAAC) in a MAAC matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Canisius Golden Griffins at Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Purple Eagles had no trouble getting past the Monmouth Hawks 75-48, while the Golden Griffins were victorious over the Monmouth Hawks 80-66.
Canisius’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Monmouth. The Golden Griffins had a rate of 0.704 (above their season average of 0.483), while the Hawks posted a mark of 0.411 (below the 0.542 mark opponents have averaged against Canisius this season). Niagara, on the other hand, dominated every facet of their game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.392 (above their season average of 0.238) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.539 (above their season average of 0.477). For those same stats, Monmouth was 0.109 and 0.382, respectively. Niagara’s Marvin Prochet had a good outing, putting up 21 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Canisius was led by Takal Molson, who contributed 18 points and five rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Golden Griffins won the most recent matchup 95-88. The Golden Griffins’ 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Purple Eagles, who had a rate of 24.2. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Second-chance opportunities could be hard to come by for Canisius in this contest. The Golden Griffins are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 234th in offensive rebounding percentage at 27.0 percent. Meanwhile, Niagara ranks 92nd in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 73.9 percent.
Canisius at Niagara Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Niagara, ATS Winner – Niagara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Niagara ranks 110th in rebounds per game (36.6) while Canisius ranks 248th in rebounds allowed per game (37.9).
- The Purple Eagles rank 41st in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Golden Griffins rank 61st (5.7).
- Niagara blocks 3.8 opponent shots per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. Canisius ranks 80th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- The Golden Griffins average 14.0 assists per game, which ranks 108th in the nation. The Purple Eagles rank 179th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- Canisius averages 24.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 75th in the country. Niagara ranks 121st in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Golden Griffins have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Purple Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 2.1 for the season.
