Iona vs Rider Prediction 1/23/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate an Iona vs Rider prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 23rd at Alumni Gymnasium in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Iona Gaels Betting Preview

The Iona Gaels are 6-12 (3-4) this year after they defeated Canisius by a score of 82-61 in their last game. Iona led 35-28 at halftime and added 47 points in the second half in the win. The Gaels shot 53.2% from the field, 45.8% on three-pointers, and 83.3% on free throws in the game. Dejour Reaves led Iona with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Adam Njie added 14 points and nine assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Gaels lost to Quinnipiac by a score of 63-62 and Fairfield by a score of 68-64. Iona has lost four of their last six games, but all four losses were by six points or fewer. Iona has scored 67.4 points per game and they have allowed 71.6 points per game, while also averaging 37.4 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game this season. Dejour Reaves is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, while Adam Njie is averaging 11.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. Iona is shooting 39.6% from the field, 66.7% on free throws, and 30.2% on three-pointers this season. 

Rider Broncs Betting Preview

The Rider Broncs are 7-11 (3-4) this season after they defeated Marist by a score of 64-57 in their last game. Rider led 29-22 at halftime and they added 35 points in the second half to secure the win. The Broncs shot 35.6% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 78.3% on free throws in the game. Flash Burton led Rider with 21 points and two rebounds, while Tariq Ingraham added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Broncs defeated Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 66-60 and Niagara by a score of 68-65. Rider has won three games in a row, but they did lose each of the previous nine games. Rider has scored 65.1 points per game and they have allowed 72.3 points per game, while also averaging 34.8 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game this season. TJ Weeks Jr. is averaging 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while Jay Alvarez is averaging 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game this year. Rider is shooting 41% from the field, 69.6% on free throws, and 29.5% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Rider will beat Iona

• Rider has won each of its last six Thursday night games at Alumni Gymnasium.
• Iona has lost five of its last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Iona has lost the first half in 13 of its last 16 night games.

Iona vs Rider Prediction 

Rider comes into this matchup looking for their fourth win in a row and they will be at home here. The Broncs went through a few very tough weeks where they failed to win a game, but they have turned things around recently. The Broncs are shooting 41% from the field and while they have some ugly defensive numbers, they have allowed 57, 60, and 65 points in their last three. Iona also has a 3-4 record in conference play, but they have dropped two of their last three games. The Gaels are shooting 39.6% from the field and they have scored 65 points or fewer in three of their last five games. Rider has all of the momentum coming into this matchup and with both teams shooting poorly, I have to side with the home team.