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The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) spotlight shines on New Rochelle this Friday as the Iona Gaels welcome the Rider Broncs to the Hynes Athletics Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with the action streaming live on ESPN+. Iona enters this contest as a heavy favorite, looking to protect their formidable 10-5 home record and bounce back from a narrow two-point heartbreaker against Merrimack. Meanwhile, Rider arrives with some wind in their sails following a gritty victory over Niagara, hoping to prove that their recent form can bridge the gap against one of the conference’s premier programs.
The betting market has set a wide margin for this one, with Iona installed as a 13.5-point favorite. The moneyline tells an even more drastic story, with the Gaels sitting at a staggering -1511 compared to Rider’s +700. The total is positioned at 141.5, suggesting a game where Iona’s high-volume perimeter shooting will be tested by Rider’s preference for a more physical, interior-based offensive approach.
For Rider, this is a quintessential “nothing to lose” road trip. For Iona, it’s a vital opportunity to solidify their standing in the MAAC hierarchy before the conference tournament. While the spread is large, the contrast in styles makes this an intriguing matchup for bettors looking for value in the mid-major ranks.
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Rider Broncs vs Iona Gaels Odds
These lines represent the current market consensus. In the MAAC, late-season volatility is common, so it is highly recommended to monitor the latest college basketball odds right up until tipoff.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Rider Broncs | +700 | +13.5 (-118) | O 141.5 (-110) |
| Iona Gaels | -1511 | -13.5 (-106) | U 141.5 (-110) |
Rider Betting Form
The Rider Broncs are coming off a morale-boosting 67-62 win against Niagara. Flash Burton was the engine of that victory, nearly recording a triple-double with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. When Burton is playing at that level, Rider becomes a much more dangerous out than their overall record suggests. They are a team that loves to attack the paint, ranking 23rd nationally in two-point field goal attempts per game. This aggressive interior mindset—led by Shemani Fuller and Davis Bynum—is their best path to keeping games competitive.
While their 2-8 record over the last ten games is a red flag, the Broncs have shown a renewed sense of urgency. As a massive +13.5 underdog, Rider doesn’t necessarily need to win the game to reward bettors; they just need to maintain their interior efficiency and limit turnovers. You can explore their full road splits and recent ATS performance by checking the Rider Broncs stats and results.
Depth and discipline will be the deciding factors for Rider in a hostile environment. Be sure to check the Rider Broncs injury report before finalizing your wagers. If their primary frontcourt rotation is intact, they have the size to at least make Iona’s shooters uncomfortable on the defensive end.
Iona Betting Form
Iona remains one of the most explosive offensive units in the MAAC, averaging 73.6 points per game. They are particularly lethal from beyond the arc, making 9.5 three-pointers per game (82nd in the nation). CJ Anthony is coming off a 25-point masterclass, and with Lamin Sabally providing double-double production (13 points, 11 rebounds in his last game), the Gaels have multiple ways to hurt an opponent. Their 10-5 home record at the Hynes Athletics Center is a testament to how well they shoot in their own gym.
The Gaels have been a reliable bet recently, going 6-4 against the spread in their last ten outings. As favorites, they have a solid 10-7 straight-up record, showing they generally handle the pressure of being the team to beat. Reviewing the Iona Gaels schedule and stats shows a team that excels when they can force a high-possession game and out-shoot their opposition from the perimeter.
Availability is always a factor this late in the season. Checking the Iona Gaels injury report is a must, especially regarding their backcourt. Iona’s system relies heavily on spacing and ball movement; if their primary facilitators are hampered, covering a double-digit spread becomes significantly more difficult.
Rider vs Iona Matchup Breakdown
This game is a classic clash of “Inside vs. Outside.” Rider wants to pound the ball into the paint and utilize their 23rd-ranked two-point attempt volume to draw fouls and score high-percentage buckets. Iona, conversely, wants to spread the floor, launch threes, and use their home-court energy to build a double-digit lead early.
The rebounding battle will be a critical subplot. Iona’s Lamin Sabally is a force on the glass, but Rider’s physical style often leads to second-chance opportunities. If Rider can limit Iona to one-and-done possessions, they can keep the score within the 13.5-point margin. However, if CJ Anthony and the Gaels get hot from deep early, the Broncs’ lack of perimeter scoring (averaging only 63.7 PPG) makes it very hard for them to mount a comeback.
- Iona at Home: 10-5 SU record.
- Rider’s Interior Focus: Ranked 23rd in 2-point attempts.
- Iona’s Perimeter Threat: 9.5 made 3s per game (82nd nationally).
If you are looking for more advanced ways to handicap these MAAC matchups, our college basketball betting guide offers deep dives into how to value home-court shooting percentages versus interior defensive metrics.
Rider vs Iona Predictions and Best Bets
While Iona is clearly the superior team and should secure the win, the 13.5-point spread feels a bit inflated. My model projects a closer contest, with Iona winning by approximately 10 points. Rider’s recent defensive showing against Niagara suggests they have the grit to stay within shouting distance, especially if they can successfuly slow the tempo and turn this into a half-court battle. Iona’s average of 73.6 PPG against Rider’s 63.7 PPG points toward a margin that hovers right around 10-12 points.
For the total, 141.5 appears to be a touch high for these two teams. Rider’s offensive struggles (63.7 PPG) and Iona’s recent 88-86 shootout (which may lead to a more defensive-focused adjustment) suggest the under is the play. When you combine the scoring averages of both teams (137.3), you are comfortably under the 141.5 line.
I’m taking the points with the road dog and betting on a slightly lower-scoring affair than the oddsmakers anticipate.
Best Bet: Rider +13.5 (-118)
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