The Canisius Golden Griffins (13-8, 7-1 MAAC) will attempt to lengthen their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Niagara Purple Eagles (13-9, 6-3 MAAC) at Koessler Athletic Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 160 points with Canisius set as a 7.5-point favorite.
Niagara Purple Eagles at Canisius Golden Griffins Free Prediction
The last time the Purple Eagles played, they beat the Manhattan Jaspers, 72-63. The Purple Eagles forced 18 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.396 (above their season average of 0.282). With 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Matt Scott was the game’s leading scorer.
The Golden Griffins barely escaped the Iona Gaels in their last matchup, 84-82. Canisius had a turnover percentage of 7.7 (better than their season average of 18.5). Iona, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (14-17; 82.4 percent). Isaiah Reese was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The elite offense of Canisius (50th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage 0.548) will clash against the porous defense of Niagara (301st in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.532). The Golden Griffins should have the advantage on that end of the court. Contrasting styles will be on display in this matchup. The fast-paced Purple Eagles rank 28th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Golden Griffins rank 255th.
Niagara holds records of 13-9 straight up (SU) and 10-8 against the spread (ATS). Of the Purple Eagles’ 18 games that accepted bets, 12 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Canisius is 13-8 SU and 13-5-1 ATS. Contrary to Niagara, games involving the Golden Griffins tend to go under the projected point total (63.2 percent).
Takal Molson has averaged 16.6 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last five games for Canisius.
After the Purple Eagles won both meetings against the Golden Griffins last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Niagara won 94-81. The Purple Eagles had a better free throw rate (0.177 vs. 0.123) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 22.7).
Niagara Purple Eagles at Canisius Golden Griffins ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Canisius, ATS Winner – Niagara, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Niagara is 6-3 ATS with 7 overs and 2 unders.
Canisius is 7-0-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Canisius averages 17.1 assists per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. Niagara ranks 247th in assists allowed per game (16.6).
The Golden Griffins rank 80th in rebounds allowed per game (33.2) while the Purple Eagles rank 272nd (39.9).
Canisius ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Niagara ranks 149th (22.2).
The Golden Griffins rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Purple Eagles rank 130th (3.9).
Niagara is 15th in the nation with 4.8 steals allowed per game while Canisius is 41st with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Niagara is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Canisius is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Purple Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Niagara has been defeated by an average of 2.0 points.
During their last five games, the Golden Griffins have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
