Manhattan vs Iona Prediction 2/21/25 College Basketball Picks

The Manhattan Jaspers and the Iona Gaels meet Friday in college basketball action from Hynes Athletic Center. Here’s a Manhattan vs Iona prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Manhattan vs Iona pick. We will examine: 

The Manhattan Jaspers’ recent form and player performance

The Iona Gaels’ recent form and player performance 

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Manhattan Jaspers

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Iona Gaels

Recent betting trends in games played between Manhattan and Iona

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Manhattan vs Iona game

Manhattan Jaspers Betting Preview

Manhattan has been on a choppy run all year, but they’ve been playing better lately. The Jaspers went a spotty 7-6 over their first 13 games, taking out Mercy, Fordham, Army, Saint Peter’s, Wagner, Presbyterian, and Rider in that time. Manhattan would lose three of the next four games versus Mount St Mary’s, Merrimack, and Fairfield with a lone win over Niagara. Since then it’s been a 5-1 run in the Jaspers’ last six games. The loss came versus Sacred Heart. Otherwise, it was wins over Mount St. Mary’s, Iona, Saint Peter’s, Merrimack, and Fairfield in that time, giving Manhattan a 13-10 overall run through 23 games this year. 

In the Fairfield matchup on Sunday, the Jaspers hit a 39-33 advantage in the first half. Manhattan kept it going in the second with a 41-34 run and took the eventual win 80-67 in the end. Leading the team in scoring was Masiah Gilyard with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Jaden Winston added 18 points with five rebounds and four steals, while Will Sydnor chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. 

Iona Gaels Betting Preview

Over on the Gaels’ side, they had a good run going early this month but otherwise, it’s been a struggle. Iona lost eight of their first 10 games, taking out only Vermont and Tarleton State in that time. After wins over Saint Peter’s and Colgate, the Gaels lost to Harvard, Marist, Fairfield, and Quinnipiac (with a win over Siena) in the next five. A 6-1 stretch came next featuring wins over Canisius, Rider, Siena, Fairfield, Mount St Mary’s, and Marist alongside a loss to Manhattan. Since then the Gaels have lost to Rider and Quinnipiac in consecutive games. That gives Iona an 11-15 record through 26 outings so far this season. 

Matched up against Quinnipiac on Sunday, the Gaels posted a one-point deficit by halftime. Iona didn’t end up getting any closer on a 44-40 run and took the loss at the end 79-74. Tops in scoring was Dejour Reaves with 15 points, six boards, six steals, and four assists. Justin Menard added 13 points with one assist, while Luke Jungers had 12 points with three steals and two blocks in 30 minutes of work in the losing effort. 

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• Manhattan has lost each of its last nine night games at Hynes Athletics Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Iona has won 11 of its last 12 home games against Manhattan at Hynes Athletics Center.
• Manhattan has lost the first half in nine of its last 11 games at Hynes Athletics Center.

Why the Manhattan Jaspers will win

• Iona has lost each of its last seven Friday night games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
• Manhattan has won five of its last six games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Manhattan vs Iona Prediction 

I’ll stick with Iona, but I’m probably not touching this one. The Gaels are coming off another frustratingly close loss, falling by five to Quinnipiac. In that one, Iona shot a tepid 43.1 percent from the field with a 38-22 rebounding deficit and 13 turnovers for 13 Bobcats points. The Gaels would give up 53.3 percent shooting on the other side as well. Two of Iona’s last three losses have come by five points or fewer, and they’ve hit 70 points or more in five straight games. 

That said, Iona was blitzed 76-55 in a road loss to Manhattan on January 31. The Gaels shot just 35.5 percent from the field in that one and had 13 turnovers for 18 Jaspers points. There’s plenty to clean up in the home rematch, but if Iona can get off to a better start (and shoot much better) this time I think they can stay in range.