The Iona Gaels (18-13, 12-7 MAAC) meet the Saint Peter’s Peacocks (14-17, 8-12 MAAC) in the Metro Atlantic Conference Tourney at Times Union Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks vs. Iona Gaels ATS Prediction
In the Peacocks’ last matchup, they topped the Rider Broncs, 66-55. Saint Peter’s’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Rider. The Peacocks had a rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.491), while the Broncs posted a mark of 0.337 (below their season average of 0.532). Saint Peter’s was lifted by Samuel Idowu, who was the team’s high scorer with 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting.
The Gaels beat the Manhattan Jaspers in their last contest, 72-60. The Gaels had a superb turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 14.7) and had a free throw rate of 0.529 (above their season average of 0.210). Zach Lewis was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
Opposite styles will be on display in this battle. Iona likes to play quickly (47th in possessions per game), while Saint Peter’s likes to grind-it-out (327th in possessions per game). Also, the Peacocks rank 303rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.201), while the Gaels rank 51st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.197).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Idowu (12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) has been fantastic for the Peacocks while E.J. Crawford (16.2 points) has contributed greatly to the Gaels.
The Gaels have won both matchups against the Peacocks this season, including a nine-point victory the last time these teams met. Iona did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (19-24; 79.2 percent). Saint Peter’s, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 12.0). Crawford was a top performer in the victory, with 18 points and six rebounds.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks vs. Iona Gaels Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Iona, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Iona ranks 32nd in assists per game (16.2) while Saint Peter’s ranks 235th (11.9).
The Gaels average 25.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 44th in the nation. The Peacocks rank 179th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
Saint Peter’s ranks 144th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5) while Iona ranks 245th (37.5).
The Gaels allow the 28th-fewest steals per game (5.1) while the Peacocks rank 53rd (5.5).
Saint Peter’s ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Iona ranks 51st (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Peacocks have outscored opponents by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Saint Peter’s has been defeated by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 84.6 points per game (4.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.4 points per game (5.6 above their season average).
