The Weber State Wildcats (2-0) and the Iona Gaels (0-2) battle in the Islands of the Bahamas Showcase at Kendall G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. Iona opened as a 5-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 152.5 points. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 17, 2017.
Iona Gaels vs. Weber State Wildcats Odds Preview
The Gaels fell to the Syracuse Orange in their last outing, 71-62. Ionas Rickey McGill had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Syracuse had a much better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.133). Iona, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 19.1).
In the Wildcats last game, they blew out the West Coast Baptist Eagles, 110-45. Weber State received a boost from Zach Braxton, who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Weber State played a perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.435 and a turnover percentage of 9.3. For those same stats, West Coast Baptist was 0.129 and 22.9, respectively.
The high-octane offense of Weber State will clash against the mid-tier defense of Iona. Since last season, the Wildcats rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Gaels are 241st in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats should have the edge on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Gaels rank 38th in turnover percentage (16.5 percent), while the Wildcats rank 277th in opponents turnover percentage (17.4 percent).
The Gaels have had a solid 22-14 straight up (SU) record since last season, but have had a hard time covering the spread (15-18-1 against the spread (ATS)). Iona games have finished over the O/U total 55.9 percent of the time since last season.
The Wildcats have had a respectable 21-13 SU record since last season, but have struggled covering the spread (13-18 ATS). Weber States games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total over that same stretch (64.5 percent).
The Gaels won the only contest against the Wildcats last season, 76-54. The Gaels 8.4 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Wildcats, who had a rate of 20.0.
Iona Gaels vs. Weber State Wildcats Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Weber State, ATS Winner – Weber State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Wildcats rank 164th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1) while the Gaels rank 292nd (38.6).
- Weber State ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Iona ranks 70th (2.9).
- Weber State ranks ninth in three pointers allowed per game (16.6) while Iona ranks 199th (21.9).
- The Wildcats rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while the Gaels rank 218th (14.1).
- Iona ranks 92nd in steals per game (6.8) while Weber State ranks 232nd (5.3).
