Merrimack vs Iona Prediction 2/23/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Merrimack vs Iona prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, February 23rd at the Hynes Athletic Center in New Rochelle, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview

The Merrimack Warriors are 14-13 (11-5) this year after they lost to Sacred Heart by a score of 60-59 in their last game. Merrimack was tied at 29 at halftime, but they allowed 31 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Warriors shot 36.7% from the field, 27.3% on three-pointers, and 64.3% on free throws in the game. Adam Clark led Merrimack with 18 points and six rebounds, while Matt Becht added 11 points and two assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Warriors lost to Marist by a score of 61-60 and Manhattan by a score of 79-75. Merrimack has lost three games in a row and they are currently third in the MAAC standings with an 11-5 record. Merrimack has scored 64.5 points per game and they have allowed 64.1 points per game, while also averaging 28.4 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game this season. Adam Clark is averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while Matt Becht is averaging 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game this year. Merrimack is shooting 41.9% from the field, 72.6% on free throws, and 32.6% on three-pointers this season. 

Iona Gaels Betting Preview

The Iona Gaels are 12-15 (9-7) this season after they defeated Manhattan by a score of 65-60 in their last game. Iona led 35-19 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored 41-30 in the second half. The Gaels shot 38.5% from the field, 26.1% on three-pointers, and 52.9% on free throws in the game. Dejour Reaves led Iona with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Yaphet Moundi added 12 points and 14 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Gaels lost to Quinnipiac by a score of 79-74 and Rider by a score of 74-71. Iona has won four of their last six games and they are currently fifth in the MAAC standings with a 9-7 record. Iona has scored 68.7 points per game and they have allowed 70.9 points per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game this season. Dejour Reaves is averaging 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Adam Njie is averaging 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this year. Iona is shooting 41% from the field, 68.8% on free throws, and 31.1% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Iona will beat Merrimack 

• Iona has won 32 of its last 40 games against Conference opponents at Hynes Athletics Center.
• Merrimack has lost each of its last three games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Merrimack vs Iona Prediction 

Merrimack comes into this contest looking to snap their three-game losing streak, but they will be on the road for this game. The Warriors are shooting just 41.9% from the field this year and they have scored 64 points or fewer in three of their last five games. Merrimack is towards the top of the conference standings and they are 3-1 in their last four road games. Iona has lost two of their last three games, but they did get a win over Manhattan last time out. The Gaels are shooting 41% from the field this year, but they have scored at least 70 points in four of their last five games. These two teams are very evenly matched, but I trust Iona’s scoring and rebounding to get the job done at home. Take Iona here.