Iona vs Rice Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/1/24

The Iona Gaels are visiting the Rice Owls on Sunday, December 1st at the Baha Mar Convention Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Iona Gaels vs Rice Owls Prediction.

Rice Owls Preview

The Rice Owls have a 5-1 record this season and are coming off a 61-58 win in Houston Christian. The Owls are 4-2 against the spread, and 2-4 in over/under while having a 3-0 home record.

Offensively, Rice is averaging 71.5 points per game, which is 270th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 64.5 points per game (58th). The Owls shoot 42.9% from the field (257th) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (181st). The Owls shoot 65.2% from the free throw line (308th) and are grabbing 42.2 rebounds per game (34th).

Trae Broadnax leads Rice in scoring this season, with an average of 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a team-high 4.3 assists. Kellen Amos adds 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Rice will play against Texas State following this one.

Iona Gaels Preview

The Iona Gaels have a 1-5 record this season and are coming off a 68-84 loss by Cornell. The Gaels are 2-4 against the spread, and 2-4 in over/under, while they have a 0-3 road record. 

Offensively, Iona is averaging just 64.5 points per game, which ranks 339th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 77.3 points per game (301st). The Gaels shoot 36.9% from the field (359th) and 27.1% from beyond the arc (340th). The Gaels shoot 63.4% from the free-throw line (332nd) and are grabbing 40.5 rebounds per game (51st).

Dejour Reaves leads Iona in scoring with an average of 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds, while Adam Njie adds 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and a team-high 4 assists. Iona will take on Sacred Heart after this game.

Why the Rice Owls will win

• Rice has won each of its last four day games against non-conference opponents.
• Iona has lost seven of its last nine games.
• Rice has won the first half in eight of its last 10 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• Rice has lost seven of its last eight games played at neutral venues.
• Iona has won three of its last four day games.
• Rice has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Rice’s last 10 day games at a neutral venue has produced a total of 146+ points.
• Nine of Iona’s last 10 games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 141+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rice ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (24.2%).
• Rice ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (30.4).
• Iona ranks 359th among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.63).
• Iona ranks T356th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (16.5).

Iona Gaels vs Rice Owls Prediction

In this Iona Gaels vs Rice Owls Prediction, Rice is coming as a -5.5 home favorites. Rice is better both offensively, scoring 7 points more than Iona, and defensively, allowing 12.8 points less. The Gaels are struggling mightily with their shooting this season, as they have the 8th-worst field goal percentage in the nation and are bottom-30 in 3-point percentage. Rice is the superior team and is rightfully favored, as they are also perfect at home this season, while Iona is winless on the road. Take the Rice Owls and lay the points at home.