| MATCHUP | Iona Gaels | Merrimack Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 16-12 | 19-9 |
| Where | Hammel Court, North Andover, MA | |
| When | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Iona Gaels and the Merrimack Warriors meet Sunday in college basketball action from Lawler Arena in North Andover. Here’s an Iona vs Merrimack prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Iona vs Merrimack pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Iona Gaels Betting Preview
The Gaels started out the season by winning 12 of their first 18 games. Following that run came wins over Merrimack and Manhattan during a 2-5 stretch. The losses otherwise during that time were against Rider, Saint Peter’s, Fairfield, Siena and Mount St. Mary’s. After a win over Canisius and a loss to Niagara, the Gaels had a 15-12 record across the first 27 games.
On Friday versus Saint Peter’s, the Gaels took a two-point deficit into the second half 31-29. Iona managed to tie it up from there on a 32-30 run and headed to overtime. Following the extra period, the Gaels emerged victorious 72-64 in a home matchup. Both Kosy Akametu (eight rebounds) and CJ Anthony (four rebounds; five steals) led the way on 18 points each.
Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview
Over on the Warriors’ side, they could only beat Boston U and Maine in their first eight games. Merrimack won eight of the next nine outings versus La Salle, Rider, Fairfield, Princeton, Sacred Heart, Mount St. Mary’s, Manhattan and Siena. After that came a 4-2 stretch in six games with losses to only Saint Peter’s and Iona, then more wins over Mount St. Mary’s, Rider, Marist and Quinnipiac for an 18-9 record.
Matched up against Siena on Friday the Warriors were in trouble on a 37-32 halftime deficit. Merrimack woke up in the second half on a 34-29 advantage though, and forced an extra period. After overtime finished up, the Warriors managed a 79-72 victory on their home court. Keviar Kennedy led the team with 32 points with two assists and a perfect 16-of-16 performance at the line.
Iona Gaels @ Merrimack Warriors Betting Trends: February 22, 2026
Why the Merrimack Warriors will win
- Merrimack has won each of its last 11 games at Lawler Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Iona has lost six of its last seven road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Iona has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Iona vs Merrimack Prediction
I’ll lean toward Merrimack. The Warriors put away a pretty good Siena team in an overtime home victory on Friday. Merrimack didn’t shoot very well from the field (39.6 percent) but made up for it with a stellar 26-of-26 from the free throw line and just eight turnovers. The victory extends the streak to seven games. Merrimack has scored 73 or more points in five of those outings.
The Warriors took a tight loss on the road 61-60 the last time these teams met up back on January 22. In that one Merrimack shot pretty well on 44.4 percent but did miss a few free throws on 58.3 percent (7-of-12). The 33-26 rebounding edge and 36-18 advantage on points in the paint helped make up for it, however the Warriors did have 13 turnovers along the way. Provided Merrimack can clean up their mistakes in the home rematch I think they’ll be fine.