Iona's CJ Anthony is fouled during a MAAC basketball game against Canisius at Iona University in New Rochelle Jan. 11, 2026. Iona defeated Canisius 74-58.
Seth Harrison/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Merrimack vs Iona Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Merrimack Warriors Iona Gaels
Team Records 12-9 13-8
Where Hynes Athletics Center, New Rochelle, NY
When Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time 07:00 PM EST
TV ESPN+

The Merrimack Warriors and Iona Gaels meet Thursday in the college basketball action at the Hynes Athletics Center. Here’s a Merrimack vs Iona Prediction. This article will include a Merrimack vs Iona Pick.

Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview


The Merrimack Warriors beat Quinnipiac and Marist, and they play Saint Peter’s next. Merrimack has won 6 of its last 7 games.

The Merrimack Warriors are averaging 70.9 points on 40.9 percent shooting and allowing 73.7 points on 43.8 percent shooting. Kevair Kennedy is averaging 16.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Ernest Shelton is averaging 15.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. Tye Dorset is the third double-digit scorer and Andres Marrero is grabbing 1.7 rebounds. The Merrimack Warriors are shooting 31.5 percent from beyond the arc and 76.8 percent from the free throw line. The Merrimack Warriors are allowing 30 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 25.3 rebounds per game.

Iona Gaels Betting Preview


The Iona Gaels lost to Rider and Saint Peter’s, and they play Manhattan next. Iona has split its last 14 games.

The Iona Gaels are averaging 74.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting and allowing 74.6 points on 43.2 percent shooting. CJ Anthony is averaging 14.4 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Toby Harris is averaging 12.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. Lamin Sabally is the third double-digit scorer and Denver Anglin is grabbing 2 rebounds. The Iona Gaels are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 69 percent from the free throw line. The Iona Gaels are allowing 30.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.5 rebounds per game.

Why the Iona Gaels will win

  • The home team has won nine of Iona’s last 10 games.

Why the Merrimack Warriors will win

  • Merrimack has won eight of its last nine games against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Total Points Facts

  • Nine of Merrimack’s last 10 night games have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
  • Each of Iona’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.

Merrimack vs Iona Prediction


Iona is usually a tough out at home, and it can shoot the ball at a decent clip. The problem is Iona is in rough form with two straight losses and that includes an ugly loss to Rider. Merrimack is playing its best ball of the season, which includes an 8-2 SU and ATS record in its last 10 games. Merrimack has 5 road wins this season, which includes beating Princeton, Sacred Heart, Siena, and Marist as underdogs. Merrimack is simply in better form and has proven it can win on the road. I have to lay the bucket with the Warriors.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Merrimack -1.5

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