It will be a battle between MAAC opponents when the Manhattan Jaspers (9-9, 4-2 MAAC) welcome the Canisius Golden Griffins (11-8, 5-1 MAAC) to Draddy Gymnasium. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 19, 2018.
Canisius opened as a 1-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 137.5 points.
Canisius Golden Griffins at Manhattan Jaspers Free Prediction
The Golden Griffins come in on a high note after beating the Monmouth Hawks in their last matchup, 94-79. The Golden Griffins held the Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2 (below their season average of 26.7) and had a free throw rate of 0.593 (above their season average of 0.191). Canisius was lifted by Isaiah Reese, who finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
In the Jaspers’ last game, they beat the Siena Saints, 72-61. Manhattan’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Siena. The Jaspers had a rate of 18.7 (better than their season average of 21.3), while the Saints posted a mark of 32.5 (above their season average of 18.9). Rich Williams was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 10-for-19 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Manhattan ranks 255th in possessions per game (68.4) and Canisius is 262nd (68.3). It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Golden Griffins, which ranks 298th in ball security (turnover percentage of 21.3 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Jaspers, which forces the 19th-most turnovers in the nation (23.7 percent).
Canisius holds records of 11-8 straight up (SU) and 11-5-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Golden Griffins are involved, as 64.7 percent of their games have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, Manhattan is 9-9 SU and 10-6 ATS. Coinciding with Canisius, Jaspers games also have a tendency to go under the total (68.8 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Takal Molson (18.0 points and 7.4 rebounds) has been stellar for the Golden Griffins while Williams (14.4 points and 1.6 steals) has made great contributions to the Jaspers.
After the Golden Griffins won both meetings against the Jaspers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Canisius won 78-64. Canisius had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.659 vs. 0.417). Manhattan, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 26.1).
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Manhattan Jaspers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Canisius, ATS Winner – Manhattan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Canisius is 4-5 ATS on the road with 7 unders and 2 overs.
Manhattan is 3-1 ATS at home with 3 unders and 1 over.
Canisius ranks 39th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Manhattan ranks 220th (19.0).
The Golden Griffins rank 37th in assists per game (16.5) while the Jaspers rank 158th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
Canisius ranks 135th in steals per game (5.8) while Manhattan ranks 176th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
The Golden Griffins rank 234th in rebounds per game (32.8) while the Jaspers rank 250th (31.9).
Canisius is second in the nation with 1.8 blocks allowed per game while Manhattan is sixth with 2.1 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Canisius is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Manhattan is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Golden Griffins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 3.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jaspers have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
