Iona (11-13) vs Rider (9-15)
Game Info: Friday, February 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Hynes Athletics Center)
Betting Odds: Iona -6.5 -- Over/Under: 138 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
In this article, we will formulate a Rider vs Iona prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, February 14th at the Hynes Athletic Center in New Rochelle, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Rider Broncs Betting Preview
The Rider Broncs are 9-15 (5-8) this season after they defeated Siena by a score of 61-59 in their last game. Rider led 32-29 at halftime and was able to get the win, despite scoring just 29 points in the second half. Rider shot 43.4% from the field, 28.6% on three-pointers, and 76.5% on free throws in the game. TJ Weeks Jr. led Rider with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Flash Burton added 15 points and three assists in the game.
Prior to that win, the Broncs lost to Sacred Heart by a score of 89-77 and Merrimack by a score of 66-64. Rider has lost four of their last six games and they are currently near the bottom of the MAAC standings with a 5-8 record. Rider has scored 65.5 points per game and they have allowed 72.0 points per game, while also averaging 34.5 rebounds and 12.2 assists per game this year. TJ Weeks Jr. is averaging 13.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while Jay Alvarez is averaging 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Rider is shooting 42.2% from the field, 70.8% on free throws, and 29.9% on three-pointers this season.
Iona Gaels Betting Preview
The Iona Gaels are 11-13 (8-5) this year after they defeated Marist by a score of 75-71 in their last game. Iona trailed 31-29 at halftime, but they scored 46 points in the second half for the win. The Gaels shot 52% from the field, 28.6% on three-pointers, and 79.2% on free throws in the game. Dejour Reaves led Iona with 24 points and three steals, while Adam Njie added 20 points and three rebounds in the game.
Prior to that victory, the Gaels defeated Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 70-67 and Fairfield by a score of 87-64. Iona has won six of their last seven games and they are currently fourth in the MAAC standings with an 8-5 record. Iona has scored 68.5 points per game and they have allowed 70.9 points per game, while also averaging 36.7 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game this season. Dejour Reaves is averaging 16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Adam Njie is averaging 11.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this year. Iona is shooting 40.8% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 30.7% on three-pointers this season.
Why Iona will beat Rider
- Iona has won six of its last seven games.
- Rider has lost seven of its last nine road games.
- Rider has lost the first half in five of its last six games at Hynes Athletics Center.
Rider vs Iona Prediction
Iona comes into this matchup trying to get back into the MAAC race and they will be at home for this contest. The Gaels have won three games in a row and they have scored at least 70 points in four of their last five games, but they are shooting just 40.8% from the field this year. Rider has lost two of their last three games and they are shooting 42.2% from the field this season. The Broncs have allowed 89 and 75 points in their last two road games and they lost to Iona by a score of 73-67 a few weeks ago. Iona has a ton of momentum coming into this matchup and they are 3-0 in their last three home games. Take the Gaels in this game.
David’s Pick Iona -6.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
