It will be a battle between MAAC opponents when the Marist Red Foxes (5-17, 3-7 MAAC) welcome the Canisius Golden Griffins (13-9, 7-2 MAAC) to McCann Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 2, 2018.
Canisius is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Marist Red Foxes Free Prediction
The Golden Griffins are hoping for a better outcome after their 105-89 loss to the Niagara Purple Eagles in their last game. Niagara was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Purple Eagles made 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent), while the Golden Griffins were just 16-24 (66.7 percent). Jermaine Crumpton was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
In the Red Foxes’ last matchup, they barely escaped the Manhattan Jaspers, 62-59. Marist’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Manhattan. The Red Foxes had a rate of 27.3 (above their season average of 22.7), while the Jaspers posted a mark of 15.6 (below their season average of 31.8). Ryan Funk led Marist in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
It will be a battle of conflicting styles as the up-and-down Red Foxes (ranked 70th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out Golden Griffins (236th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the sweet-shooting offense of the Golden Griffins ranks 49th in effective field goal percentage (0.546), while the Red Foxes are 73rd-worst in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.527).
Canisius comes into the game with records of 13-9 straight up (SU) and 13-6-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Golden Griffins have typically finished under the O/U total (60.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Marist owns records of 5-17 SU and 8-8 ATS. Contrary to Canisius, games featuring the Red Foxes have typically finished over the O/U total (56.3 percent).
Takal Molson and Crumpton have played well over the last five games for Canisius. Molson has averaged 17.2 points and 3.2 assists per game. Not to be outdone, Crumpton has recorded 15.6 points a game during that span.
After the Golden Griffins won two out of three meetings against the Red Foxes last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Canisius won 77-73. Canisius had a better turnover percentage (16.4 vs. 19.8). Marist, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.8 vs. 38.2).
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Marist Red Foxes Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Canisius, ATS Winner – Marist, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Canisius is 6-5 ATS with 8 unders and 3 overs.
Marist is 2-3 ATS at home with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Canisius ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Marist ranks 238th (24.9).
The Golden Griffins rank 18th in assists per game (17.3) while the Red Foxes rank 227th (11.8).
Canisius ranks 38th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Marist ranks 175th (7.2).
The Red Foxes rank 222nd in rebounds per game (33.6) while the Golden Griffins rank 256th (32.4).
Canisius is 20th in the NCAA with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while Marist is 30th with 2.5 blocks allowed per game.
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Canisius is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Marist is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Golden Griffins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Foxes have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (8.4 below their season average).
