The Iona Gaels (10-7, 4-1 MAAC) welcome the Rider Broncs (11-6, 4-1 MAAC) to Hynes Athletics Center as they look to continue their five-game home winning streak. The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018.
Rider Broncs at Iona Gaels ATS Prediction
In the Broncs’ last contest, they blew out the Quinnipiac Bobcats, 78-60. The Broncs forced 17 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.1 (above their season average of 33.9). Tyere Marshall led the way for Rider, contributing 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Gaels edged the Siena Saints in their last contest, 71-69. The Gaels held the Saints to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.4 (below their season average of 32.3). The Saints also had a turnover percentage of 21.2 (above the 16.2 mark opponents have averaged against Iona this season). With 15 points and eight rebounds, Iona’s Roland Griffin had a good game.
The high-octane offense of Rider (75th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 111.5) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Iona (262nd in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 106.1). The Broncs figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Rider heads into the game with records of 11-6 straight up (SU) and 9-3-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Broncs’ 13 games that accepted bets, 10 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Iona is 10-7 SU and 7-5-1 ATS. Contrary to Rider, a little over half of Gaels games have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Frederick Scott (18.6 points and 10.0 rebounds) has been stellar for the Broncs while Rickey McGill (17.0 points, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals) has contributed greatly to the Gaels.
After the Gaels won two out of three contests against the Broncs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Iona won 88-70. The Gaels knocked down 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.7 vs. 19.2).
Rider Broncs vs. Iona Gaels Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Iona, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Rider is 7-2-1 ATS with 8 overs and 2 unders.
At home, Iona is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over.
Iona averages 26.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 30th in the NCAA. Rider ranks 239th in three pointers allowed per game (25.4).
The Broncs average 40.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. The Gaels rank 193rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
Iona ranks 52nd in assists per game (16.0) while Rider ranks 195th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Gaels rank 21st in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Broncs rank 57th (5.6).
Iona averages 2.9 blocks per game, which ranks 137th in the nation. Rider ranks 168th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Rider is 4-0-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Iona is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Broncs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
