Niagara vs Iona Prediction 1/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Niagara Purple Eagles and the Iona Gaels meet Friday in college basketball action from the Hynes Athetics Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Iona Gaels prediction.

Niagara Purple Eagles Recap

The Niagara Purple Eagles come into this game looking to bounce back from their 83-75 loss at the hands of Fairfield last time out to sit at 4-10 this season. After this game, Niagara will head on the road for a game against Manhattan.

Purple Eagles Have Two-Game Win Streak Snapped

Justin Page leads Niagara in scoring and assists with 12.5 PPG and 2.6 APG along with 2.3 RPG as the lone double-digit scorer for Niagara up to this point in the year. Justin Hawkins has 9 PPG with 3.1 RPG and Trenton Waters has 8.9 PPG while Reggie Prudhomme has 7.1 PPG with 2.4 RPG and 2.4 APG. Josiah Sabino has 6 PPG and a team-high 3.8 RPG to lead Niagara in rebounding, as does Will Shortt who shares the team lead on the glass. As a team, Niagara is averaging 63.7 PPG on 43.2% shooting from the field, 30.8% from three and 72.5% from the foul line this season.

Iona Gaels Recap

The Iona Gaels come into this game looking to rebound from an 83-38 blowout loss at the hands of Marist last time out to sit at 10-6 this season. After this game, Iona will take on Canisius at home.

Gaels Alternate Wins & Losses In 6 Straight

CJ Anthony leads Iona in scoring and assists with 15.3 PPG and 5.7 APG while Toby Harris has 12.6 PPG with 3.8 RPG. Lamin Sabally has 11.3 PPG with a team-high 7.6 RPG to lead Iona on the glass along with 3 APG and 2.1 SPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Iona up to this point in the year. Kosy Akametu has 9.2 PPG with 4.9 RPG and Denver Anglin has 8.6 PPG with 2.1 APG while Keshawn Williams has 8.5 PPG with 3.2 RPG. As a team, Iona is averaging 76.1 PPG on 44.4% shooting from the field, 35% from behind the arc and 71% from the foul line this season.

Niagara Purple Eagles @ Iona Gaels Betting Trends: January 9, 2026

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• Iona has won each of its last five night games against Niagara.
• Niagara has lost each of its last four night games.
• Iona has won the first half in nine of its last 10 night games at Hynes Athletics Center.

Why the Niagara Purple Eagles will win

• The road team has won each of the last three games between Niagara and Iona.
• Iona has lost three of its last four night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Iona’s last eight games at Hynes Athletics Center have produced a total of 147+ points.
• Fifteen of Niagara’s last 18 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Niagara ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (27.6).
• Niagara ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (77.2%).

Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Iona Gaels Prediction

I’m on the Gaels in this one. I get the case to be made for Niagara after how poor Iona looked in their last game. However, I still think Iona is one of the better teams in the MAAC, and Niagara’s been slapped around in a couple of their step up road games in conference already against Siena and Saint Peter’s. I think Iona uses this as a bounce back and gets it done here. Give me Iona.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Iona -10.5