NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Iona Gaels travel to Buffalo this Friday night for a MAAC clash against the Canisius Golden Griffins at the Koessler Athletic Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Iona enters this game with a 14-11 record and is looking to snap a three-game skid, most recently dropping a close 83-76 contest to Mount St. Mary’s. Canisius, currently 8-17, is desperate to find some rhythm after a string of losses, including a 75-60 road defeat at Quinnipiac. Despite their overall record, the Golden Griffins have been significantly more competitive at home, making this a potentially tricky spot for a visiting Gaels squad that has struggled with consistency away from New Rochelle.
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Iona opened as a 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 135.5. These two teams met earlier in the season in mid-January, a game that Iona dominated in a 74-48 blowout. However, conference rematches in February often look much different than early-season meetings, especially with Canisius desperate to avoid falling further into the MAAC cellar.
Iona vs Canisius Odds
Bettors should keep a close eye on the market as tip-off approaches, as MAAC lines can fluctuate based on late injury news and shooting splits. You can find the latest college basketball odds and real-time movement on our dedicated odds page.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Iona | -287 | -6.5 (-103) | O 135.5 (-110) |
| Canisius | +218 | +6.5 (-125) | U 135.5 (-110) |
Iona Betting Form
Iona’s identity this season revolves around an aggressive perimeter attack, averaging 9.6 made three-pointers per game. Lamin Sabally has been the engine lately, coming off a 20-point, 11-rebound performance against Mount St. Mary’s. When Sabally is hitting from the outside, it opens up the floor for CJ Anthony to create, as evidenced by his eight assists in the last outing. Iona ranks well in offensive efficiency when they can dictate the tempo, but their defense has been prone to lapses, giving up 73.6 points per game.
Interestingly, the Gaels have shown a high level of resilience when facing pressure, boasting an 8-3 record against the spread as an underdog this season. However, they are in the favorite role tonight, where they have been much more volatile. For a full breakdown of their situational trends and recent ATS performance, check the Iona stats and results page. It is also vital to monitor the Iona injury report to ensure their primary rotation of shooters is intact before placing any wagers.
Canisius Betting Form
Canisius has struggled to find consistent scoring, averaging only 63 points per game. Their offense relies heavily on the duo of Bryan Ndjonga and Kahlil Singleton. Ndjonga is a versatile forward who can score inside and out, while Singleton provides the deep-range threat, shooting nearly 39% from beyond the arc. The problem for the Golden Griffins has been their secondary scoring and turnover issues, which often leave their defense in vulnerable transition spots.
The home-court edge is the primary reason for optimism in Buffalo. Canisius is 6-5 at the Koessler Athletic Center, playing with noticeably more energy in front of their home crowd compared to their dismal 2-12 road record. If they can slow the game down and force Iona into a half-court grind, they have the personnel to keep this within the number. You can review their full seasonal performance on the Canisius schedule and stats page. Additionally, check the Canisius injury report as Kahlil Singleton has dealt with lingering lower-body issues that could impact his mobility.
Iona vs Canisius Matchup Breakdown
This game is a classic clash of styles. Iona wants to push the ball, hunt for early three-pointers, and force a high-possession game. Canisius, on the other hand, operates at a much slower pace, averaging only 61.8 possessions per game. If the Golden Griffins can successfully limit Iona’s transition opportunities and dominate the defensive glass—where they have struggled recently—they can turn this into a low-scoring affair that favors the underdog.
- Three-Point Variance: Iona takes 27 threes per game. If they go cold in the cold Buffalo climate, Canisius has a path to a straight-up upset.
- The Anthony-Ndjonga Battle: CJ Anthony is a high-level distributor, but Canisius will likely throw multiple looks at him to disrupt Iona’s offensive flow.
- Pace of Play: Iona’s average total score is nearly 147 points, while Canisius games often struggle to clear 130. Whoever dictates the tempo in the first ten minutes likely controls the spread.
For those looking to refine their approach to mid-major conference betting, our college basketball betting guide offers insights into how to weigh home-court advantages in smaller venues like the Koessler Athletic Center.
Iona vs Canisius Predictions and Best Bets
Iona is the better team on paper, but laying 6.5 points on the road in a conference game against a desperate home team is a big ask. I think Iona wins the game SU, but Canisius has shown enough life at home to make the spread a sweat. The real value, in my opinion, lies with the total. The market has set this at 135.5, likely influenced by Iona’s high-scoring tendencies. However, Canisius is highly effective at dragging opponents into the mud, especially at home.
I expect Canisius to focus heavily on perimeter defense to take away Iona’s primary weapon, which should result in longer possessions and fewer quick-strike baskets. My model projects a final score somewhere in the range of 68-61. Perhaps Iona pulls away late with free throws, but the Under looks like the most disciplined play given the pace mismatch.
Best Bet: Under 135.5 (-110).
Power Your Bets with NCAA Basketball Data
Confidence for every bet
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more detailed analysis and a wider variety of betting angles, make sure to check today’s college basketball picks. Our team covers every MAAC game, providing deep dives into team totals and player props that the general public often overlooks.
Following the top sports handicappers is one of the best ways to build a bankroll, especially during the volatile month of February. You can view our handicapper leaderboard to see who is currently in the green with mid-major selections. Whether you are looking for free advice or want to buy expert picks, ScoresAndStats is the premier destination for serious bettors looking for a verified edge.
