NJIT vs Iona Prediction 11/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

NJIT vs Iona Prediction

I might take a stab on NJIT but I’m probably not touching this one. The Highlanders had a tough draw against Dayton on the road in their opener this week and didn’t look great. NJIT put up just 34 percent shooting from the field, 12 percent (3-of-25) from outside and 60 percent (15-of-25) from outside in their blowout loss. The Highlanders were out-rebounded 50-28 and didn’t have a lead for the entire game. All of that said, NJIT should match up better this time and we’ll get a better look at their potential in the early-going.

As for Iona, they eked out a defensive win versus Vermont this week, getting 45 of their 56 points from just two players. The Gaels shot just 39 parent overall and 42 percent (5-of-12) from the line and had 13 turnovers along the way. I could see Iona controlling this one if they can keep the clamps down on defense.

Game Info, Stats and Previews

The NJIT Highlanders and the Iona Gaels meet Thursday in college basketball action from Hynes Athletic Center. Here’s a collection of relevant information and reasoning for a sound NJIT vs Iona prediction. We have looked at this information from a betting perspective and attempted to determine the best NJIT vs Iona pick. We will also examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. We will tie it all together to the pick summary, resulting in a sensible prediction for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

NJIT Highlanders Betting Preview

NJIT had a fairly middling season overall in 2025-26, but they did finish ahead of expectations in the conference. The Highlanders went 16-17 with a 10-6 run in America East play, putting them behind only UMBC and Vermont in the standings. After a four-game losing streak to end the regular season, NJIT beat Maine in the America East Tournament before a loss to Vermont that put an end to their campaign for good.

This year NJIT has one game in the bag. The Highlanders took on Dayton in front of over 13,000 fans at UD Arena on Monday. Things didn’t go too well for the Highlanders in that one, as they’d end up taking an 89-58 loss. Tops in scoring for NJIT was Matheo Coffi, the only player on the team to finish in double-digits with 12 points, five boards and one assist. Mario Tatum added eight points and Quentin Duncan contributed nine points with two boards in 15 minutes of work off the bench.

Iona Gaels Betting Preview

Over on the Gaels’ side, they had something of a middling campaign a season ago. Iona went 18-14 overall last year and 10-10 in Metro Atlantic Athletic games. The Gaels finished ahead of only Sacred Heart, Manhattan, Niagara, Canisius and Rider with that effort. Iona won four of their final six games to close out the regular season but then ended with a loss to Sacred Heart in the opening game of the MAAC Tournament.

Iona also has one game completed so far this year. The Gaels took on Vermont at Hynes Athletic Center on Monday, eventually eking out a 56-55 victory. Kevon Vanderhorst was the workhorse in that victory, bagging a team-high 27 points with six rebounds and two steals. Kosy Akametu added 18 points with three boards and two assists alongside a couple of steals, and Oliver Sassella came off the bench to chip in six points with two assists.

NJIT Highlanders @ Iona Gaels Betting Trends: November 5, 2026

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• NJIT has lost 21 of its last 24 road night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Iona has won seven of its last eight night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Iona has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-Conference opponents at Hynes Athletics Center.

Andrew Jett's Pick: NJIT Highlanders +9.5