The Canisius Golden Griffins travel to Alumni Gymnasium in Lawrenceville tonight for a 7:00 PM ET Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) showdown against the Rider Broncs. This matchup, airing on ESPN+, features two teams desperate to climb out of the conference cellar. Rider enters as a narrow 1.5-point home favorite despite a difficult 3-22 season record, while Canisius arrives at 8-19, looking to snap an 11-game losing streak. With the total set at a modest 132.5, oddsmakers are anticipating a low-scoring, defensive struggle between two of the league’s least efficient offenses.
This is a “bounce-back” spot for both programs. Canisius is coming off a heartbreaking four-point loss to Manhattan, while Rider looks to regroup following an 11-point defeat at the hands of Sacred Heart. Historically, Rider has dominated this series, leading 43-18 all-time, including a dominant 78-50 victory the last time these two met at Alumni Gymnasium. However, with both teams struggling to find consistent scoring, tonight’s contest is expected to be much tighter than their previous meetings.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs Rider Broncs Odds
These are the current betting lines for Friday’s MAAC game. Bettors should check the latest college basketball odds as tip-off approaches, as these thin lines often move based on late-breaking news.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Canisius | +103 | +1.5 (-113) | O 132.5 (-110) |
| Rider | -126 | -1.5 (-109) | U 132.5 (-110) |
Canisius Golden Griffins Betting Form
Canisius has struggled mightily on the road this season, posting a 2-12 away record. However, their recent performance against Manhattan showed signs of life, led by a monster game from Mike Evbagharu, who tallied 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Golden Griffins’ path to a victory tonight relies on their perimeter shooting; Kahlil Singleton is the team’s primary threat from deep, shooting 37.8% from three-point range. If Singleton and Javante Edwards can find their rhythm early, Canisius has the offensive ceiling to pull the minor upset. You can find more detailed trends on the Canisius Golden Griffins stats and results page.
A major concern for the Griffins is their current 11-game slide and their lack of depth. According to the Canisius Golden Griffins injury report, forward A. Ash is currently questionable with an upper-body injury, and guard A. Benard remains out indefinitely with a shoulder issue. These absences have forced the starters into heavy minutes, which can lead to late-game fatigue—a dangerous factor in a game with a spread as thin as 1.5 points.
Rider Broncs Betting Form
Rider’s 3-22 record is eye-popping, but it is worth noting that all three of their victories this season have come at Alumni Gymnasium. The Broncs are led by Zion Cruz, who is coming off a 22-point performance against Sacred Heart. Rider plays an aggressive, interior-focused style, ranking 26th nationally in two-point field goal attempts. They rely on players like Cruz and Flash Burton to drive the lane and create contact. For a deeper look at their home-court performance, the Rider Broncs schedule and stats provide a clear view of their struggle to find consistency.
Rebounding is a key strength for the Broncs, especially on the offensive end, where they frequently generate second-chance opportunities. However, they are statistically one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the conference, which makes them susceptible to zone defenses. The Rider Broncs injury report is currently clear of major new additions, meaning coach Kevin Baggett should have his full rotation available as they try to break their own four-game losing streak tonight.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs Rider Broncs Matchup Breakdown
This game will likely be decided by which team can better manage their offensive droughts. Canisius has a clear edge in shooting efficiency and three-point threats, but Rider’s physicality and home-court advantage at Alumni Gymnasium cannot be overlooked. The Griffins’ 11-game losing streak is a psychological hurdle, but they have covered the spread in five of their last nine away games, suggesting they are often more competitive than their straight-up record indicates.
Tempo will be a massive factor for the total. Both teams rank in the bottom tier of the country in scoring, with Canisius averaging 63.0 points and Rider at 63.5. Rider’s preference for high-volume two-point attempts usually leads to longer possessions and more physical play, which fits the profile of an “Under” game. For bettors looking for an edge in these low-major matchups, an NCAAB betting strategy guide can help explain why home-court advantage is often baked into these small conference lines.
Canisius Golden Griffins vs Rider Broncs Predictions and Best Bets
While Rider is the home favorite, Canisius has shown slightly more offensive competence in recent weeks, specifically through the play of Evbagharu and Singleton. The Griffins have been “knocking on the door” of a win, and Rider’s lack of a perimeter game makes it difficult for them to pull away from opponents. I expect a back-and-forth game that comes down to the final minute. Getting 1.5 points with Canisius—a team that shoots much better from the free-throw line and the three-point arc—is the preferred side.
Regarding the total, the Under 132.5 is the most logical play. Both teams are averaging near 63 points per game and have historically struggled with shooting efficiency in conference play. With both squads fighting through multi-game losing streaks, expect a tight, conservative start as neither team wants to make the first mistake. I’m projecting a final score in the range of 64-62.
Best Bet: Canisius +1.5 (-113).
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
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