Both teams will try to lengthen their winning streaks as the Rider Broncs (20-7, 13-2 MAAC) meet the Canisius Golden Griffins (19-9, 13-2 MAAC) at Alumni Gymnasium. The Broncs have won nine consecutive games, while the Golden Griffins have won their last six games. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 18, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 156 points with Rider set as a 3.5-point favorite.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Rider Broncs Free Prediction
The last time the Golden Griffins played, they dismantled the Monmouth Hawks, 78-60. Canisius’ 14.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Monmouth, who had a rate of 28.1. The Golden Griffins’ mark was better than their season average of 16.8, while the Hawks’ was above their season average of 18.9. Canisius was lifted by Isaiah Reese, who was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
The Broncs had no trouble getting past the Siena Saints in their last game, 97-71. Rider’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Siena. The Broncs had a rate of 10.4 (better than their season average of 15.2), while the Saints posted a mark of 20.0. Dimencio Vaughn was the game’s high scorer with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The offensive glass could be a huge edge for Rider in this matchup. The Broncs currently rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.9 percent), while Canisius ranks 258th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.7 percent).
Canisius comes into the game with records of 19-9 straight up (SU) and 17-8-1 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Golden Griffins have a tendency to go under the O/U total (61.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Rider owns records of 20-7 SU and 15-7-1 ATS. Unlike Canisius, Broncs games tend to go over the total (69.6 percent).
Vaughn has averaged 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.0 blocks over the last five games for Rider.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Takal Molson had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Golden Griffins beat the Broncs 77-76, resulting in a push. The game finished with a total of 153 points, which was just 1 points above the projected point total of 152 points. Canisius’ 0.516 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Rider, who had a mark of 0.492.
Canisius Golden Griffins at Rider Broncs Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Rider, ATS Winner – Canisius, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Canisius is 8-6 ATS with 10 unders and 4 overs.
At home, Rider is 4-4 ATS with 5 overs and 3 unders.
Canisius ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while Rider ranks 267th (25.9).
The Broncs rank 14th in rebounds per game (40.1) while the Golden Griffins rank 234th (33.3).
Canisius ranks 16th in assists per game (17.1) while Rider ranks 222nd in assists allowed per game (15.2).
The Golden Griffins rank 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Broncs rank 196th (4.8).
Canisius ranks 34th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Rider ranks 103rd (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Canisius is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Rider is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Golden Griffins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 5.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncs have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
