Iona vs Niagara Prediction 2/15/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Iona Gaels and the Niagara Purple Eagles meet Sunday in college basketball action from Gallagher Center. Here’s an Iona vs Niagara prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Iona vs Niagara 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 looked pretty decent over their first 18 games out of the gate this year, hitting a 12-6 run in that time. After that however, came wins over Merrimack and Manhattan during a 2-5 run. The losses otherwise during that stretch were versus Rider, Saint Peter’s, Fairfield, Siena and Mount St. Mary’s. Over the first 25 games of the season that would result in a 14-11 record for the Gaels.

On Friday versus Canisius, Iona was looking pretty good at halftime sporting a 34-24 advantage. The Gaels got outscored 39-35 the rest of the way but still managed to hang on for the win on the road 69-63 in the end. Kosy Akametu put up 16 points with four rebounds in the victory and Luke Jungers added 12 points with one rebound in 18 minutes of action on the floor.

Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Preview

Over on the Niagara side, they were only able to win four of their first 13 games this year. The Eagles took three more losses after that before a victory over Canisius on January 14. Next came losses to Mount St. Mary’s, Fairfield, Sacred Heart, Siena, Marist and Quinnipiac (with a win over Canisius) during a 1-6 run. Over the first 24 games that made for a 6-18 record overall.

Matched up against Manhattan on Friday, the Eagles were down 35-27 in the locker room. Niagara managed to post a 42-41 advantage in the second half but it wasn’t nearly enough for a comeback bid in a 76-69 loss on their home court. Vice Zanki was tops on the team with 13 points and four rebounds while Will Shortt had 12 points with seven rebounds in 31 minutes.

Iona Gaels @ Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Trends: February 15, 2026

Why the Niagara Purple Eagles will win

• Iona has lost five of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• Niagara has lost each of its last 11 Sunday home games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
• Iona has won each of its last three games against Niagara.
• Iona has won the first half in six of its last seven games against Niagara.

Iona vs Niagara Prediction

I’ll lean toward Niagara but I’m staying away. The Eagles shot well in their latest loss to Manhattan with 51 percent from the field and 81.3 percent (13-of-16) from the line. The 28-22 rebounding deficit and 11 turnovers took their toll however, and the Eagles gave up 47.8 percent (11-of-23) from outside and 48.2 percent from the field overall. Niagara has finished below 70 points in four straight games but generally they’ve been much better on defense lately.

Back on January 9 when these teams last met up, Niagara took a 71-53 loss on the road. In that one the Purple Eagles shot poorly on 33.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent (6-of-27) from 3-point range. Niagara was out-rebounded 40-27 and outscored in the paint 32-26. There’s a lot of work to do before this rematch, but with a home push Niagara may be able to power one out.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Niagara Purple Eagles +5.5