Siena Saints vs. Iona Gaels Free Prediction 02/02/19

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The Siena Saints (9-12, 4-4 MAAC) will be at the Hynes Athletics Center to take on the Iona Gaels (7-13, 5-4 MAAC) in a MAAC matchup. Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.

Siena Saints vs. Iona Gaels ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Gaels fell to the Marist Red Foxes, 78-74, while the Saints were defeated by the Monmouth Hawks, 66-55.

Siena forced Monmouth into a turnover percentage of 18.8 (above the 15.4 mark opponents have averaged against Siena this season) while Iona had a better turnover percentage (17.3 vs. 19.1). E.J. Crawford put together a solid game for Iona with 22 points and eight rebounds. Siena, meanwhile, rallied around Jalen Pickett, who recorded 11 points and five assists.

This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Saints won the most recent game 82-78. Siena’s 0.203 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Iona, who had a mark of 0.171. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.

This contest should be a matchup of contrasting styles. Iona prefers to play up-tempo (35th in possessions per game), while Siena is methodical (350th in possessions per game).

Siena Saints at Iona Gaels Pick

Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Iona, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Siena ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Iona ranks 234th (25.9).
  • The Saints rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Gaels rank 112th (3.5).
  • Siena ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Iona ranks 66th (5.8).
  • The Saints rank 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while the Gaels rank 241st (37.8).
  • Siena ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Iona ranks 241st (16.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.8 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
  • The Saints have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Siena has lost by an average of 3.1 points.