The Monmouth Hawks (1-12) look to snap their 12-game losing streak when they square off against the Iona Gaels (2-9) at Hynes Athletics Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Monmouth Hawks at Iona Gaels Betting Prediction
In the Hawks’ last contest, they were dismantled by the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 85-61. Lehigh won the rebounding battle. The Mountain Hawks had 11 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds, while the Hawks had five and 28, respectively. Deion Hammond led Monmouth in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
The Gaels beat the Albany Great Danes in their last contest, 72-68. The Gaels had a much better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 25.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.281 vs. 0.259). With 12 points and nine assists, Rickey McGill had a good outing for Iona.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Hawks won the most recent contest 72-50. The Hawks had a much better free throw rate (0.255 vs. 0.086) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 21.4).
E.J. Crawford and McGill have played at a high level over the last five games for Iona. Crawford has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, McGill has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This contest should be a showdown of conflicting paces. Iona prefers an up-and-down style of play (42nd in possessions per game), while Monmouth is more half-court-oriented (227th in possessions per game).
Monmouth vs. Iona Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Monmouth, ATS Winner – Monmouth, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Iona ranks 74th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Monmouth ranks 255th in three pointers allowed per game (27.2).
The Gaels average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 46th in the nation. The Hawks rank 139th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Iona ranks 136th in assists per game (13.4) while Monmouth ranks 228th (10.3).
The Hawks rank 168th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5) while the Gaels rank 230th (39.3).
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The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 16.2, up from 15.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
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