The Niagara Purple Eagles (6-20) travel to Rider to play the Broncs (10-16) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game gets underway at 2:00 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 14.
The Broncs are hoping to rebound after their 79-78 loss to Monmouth on Friday. Despite the loss, Kahlil Thomas earned his 10th double-double this season with 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Purple Eagles are coming off a 72-59 loss against Saint Peter’s on Friday. Marvin Prochet led the team in scoring with 19 points.
Over the last five games, Thomas has really been playing well for the Broncs, averaging 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Rider ranks 306th in possessions per game (66.3), while Niagara is 281st (67.1).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Broncs won the first game 66-60. Thomas put up a double-double in the victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
The Broncs come into this game 10-16 Straight Up (SU) and 9-13 Against The Spread (ATS).
Over on the other bench, the Purple Eagles have records of 11-11-1 ATS and 6-20 SU. Offensively, the Purple Eagles have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 63.4 points per game by averaging 72.5 during that stretch.
With the Broncs’ last win against Niagara, their SU record against Niagara moves to 8-2 over their most recent meetings. Additionally, Rider leads the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. Niagara held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once in the last five game, while Rider wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Rider, ATS Winner – Rider
Notes
Niagara scores an average of just 63.4 points per game (ranked 246th). Rider ranks 69th in points allowed, giving up 67.6 points per game.
The Niagara Purple Eagles average 67.1 possessions per game and .945 points per possession. The Rider Broncs earn fewer possessions with 66.3, but they score more points with 1.017.
Rider has an average effective field goal percentage of 48.9%. Niagara is an underachieving 2-10 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
The Rider Broncs attempt 19.0 three pointers per game this season, while the Niagara Purple Eagles attempt 18.0. When they register 20 or more three point attempts in a game, Rider has a record of 5-6 while Niagara is winless (0-8).
Rider has forced an average turnover percentage of 17.5% this season. Niagara has a poor 6-17 record when its TO% is 17.5% or higher.
