The Iona Gaels (4-9, 2-0 MAAC) will attempt to end their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Niagara Purple Eagles (7-8, 0-2 MAAC) at Gallagher Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 11, 2019.
Iona Gaels at Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Prediction
The Gaels come in on a high note after defeating the Albany Great Danes in their last matchup, 72-68. The Gaels had a much better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 25.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.281 vs. 0.259). Iona was led by Rickey McGill, who finished with 12 points and nine assists.
In the Purple Eagles’ last outing, they defeated the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, 80-72. The Purple Eagles had a much better free throw rate (0.306 vs. 0.029) and had a better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 17.8). Marvin Prochet led Niagara in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Purple Eagles won 85-84. The Purple Eagles had a better free throw rate (0.203 vs. 0.117) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.6 vs. 24.4).
E.J. Crawford and McGill have played at a high level over the last five games for Iona. Crawford has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, McGill has put up 0 points a game during that span.
A focal point for the Iona offense is getting to the free throw line. The Gaels rank 36th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.292), but Niagara is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 13th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.162).
Iona Gaels at Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Iona, ATS Winner – Niagara, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Iona ranks 41st in steals per game (8.1) while Niagara ranks 207th (4.2).
The Purple Eagles rank 84th in rebounds per game (37.7) while the Gaels rank 230th (33.5).
Niagara averages 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 131st in the country. Iona ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
The Purple Eagles rank 161st in assists allowed per game (14.3) while the Gaels rank 230th (17.6).
Niagara ranks 53rd in blocks per game (4.2) while Iona ranks 104th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Gaels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 5.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Purple Eagles have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
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