It will be a battle between MAAC opponents when the Siena Saints (5-9, 0-1 MAAC) welcome the Canisius Golden Griffins (4-8, 1-0 MAAC) to the Times Union Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Siena Saints ATS Prediction
In the Golden Griffins’ last outing, they topped the Bucknell Bison, 82-73. The Golden Griffins had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 vs. 15.6) and had a much better free throw rate (0.351 vs. 0.208). Canisius was lifted by Takal Molson, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Saints lost to the Providence Friars in their last outing, 77-67. Providence’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Siena. The Friars had a rate of 44.0, while the Saints posted a mark of 31.0. With 11 points and six rebounds, Evan Fisher had a good game for Siena.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Golden Griffins won 89-65. The Golden Griffins had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 18.8) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.555 vs. 0.386).
Molson and Isaiah Reese have played well over the last five games for Canisius. Molson has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Reese has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Ball security could play an integral role in this matchup. Siena commits the 36th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Canisius forces the 59th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.2 percent).
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Siena Saints Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Canisius, ATS Winner – Siena, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Siena ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Canisius ranks 221st (38.1).
The Saints rank 14th in three pointers allowed per game (18.0) while the Golden Griffins rank 114th (22.2).
Siena ranks 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Canisius ranks 95th (3.6).
The Saints are fifth in the NCAA with 4.4 steals allowed per game while the Golden Griffins are 39th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
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The Golden Griffins’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Saints have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average).
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