Iona Gaels (25-6) vs Rider Broncs (13-18)
Game Info: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 7:00 pm (Boardwalk Hall)
Betting Odds: Iona Gaels -11.5 -- Over/Under: 136.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Rider Broncs will play the Iona Gaels in the quarterfinals of the MAAC Tournament on Wednesday.
The Rider Broncs are 13-18 (8-12) this season and have won two games in a row. Rider is coming off of a win against Manhattan by a score of 79-67 in the first round of the tournament. Rider shot 45.2% from the field and was +10 in rebounding margin in the game. Dimencio Vaughn led the Broncs with 20 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Rider is averaging 67.3 points per game and is giving up 69.2 points per game against, while also averaging 37.4 rebounds per game and 12.5 assists per game. Dwight Murray Jr. is averaging 12.6 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game, while Dimencio Vaughn is averaging 12.5 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Broncs. Rider is shooting 40.6% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 30.8% on three pointers.
The Iona Gaels are 25-6 (17-3) this season and have won six of their last seven games. Iona defeated Quinnipiac by a score of 79-61 in their last game. Iona shot 46% from the field and was +8 in rebounding margin in the game. Quinn Slazinski led the Gaels with 16 points and 4 assists in the win. Iona is averaging 75.4 points per game and is giving up 68.2 points per game against, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds per game and 16 assists per game. Tyson Jolly is averaging 14.5 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Nelly Junior Joseph is averaging 12.9 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game for the Gaels. Iona is shooting 44.6% on field goals, 69.7% on free throws, and 33% on three pointers.
Iona comes into the conference tournament as the one seed, but will have plenty of work in front of them to solidify a NCAA Tournament spot. Iona defeated Rider by scores of 80-54 and 67-61 this season. Iona is the better team in this matchup and has the advantage in most areas, so I like them to cruise to a win here.