Iona Gaels vs Siena Saints NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/5/25
Looking to win big? The Gaels and Saints face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Saints are hosting the game at MVP Arena in Albany, NY. The over/under for this game is set at 133.5 points, and Siena is favored by -1.5 vs. Iona in a Metro Atlantic Athletic conference matchup.
IONA GAELS VS SIENA SAINTS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Siena Saints -1.5
This game will be played at MVP Arena at 2:00 ET on Sunday, January 5th.
WHY BET THE SIENA SAINTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Saints.
- Not only will Siena pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 133.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Can the Gaels Offense Score Enough in Albany?
Iona’s season struggles continued with a 70-65 home loss to Marist on Friday, dropping their record to 4-10. The Gaels were -3.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 135, just over the O/U line of 132.5.
Despite leading 37-36 at halftime, Iona’s offense faltered in the 2nd half, scoring only 28 points while allowing 34.
Iona struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 33.3% from the field and finishing with 65 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 40%, with two-point shooting at 32.5% and three-point shooting at 35% (7/20).
Dejour Reaves led the Gaels with 17 points, hitting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, while Josh Pascarelli added 16 points, shooting 50% from three. Jason Schofield contributed 12 points in just 11 minutes, shooting 71.4% from the field.
Even though Iona’s defense held their opponent to just 33% shooting from the field, they still gave up 70 points. The Gaels limited damage inside, allowing only 13 two-point field goals on 40 attempts, a 32% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Iona’s defense allowed 7 threes on 20 attempts, with their opponent shooting 35% from three-point range. The Gaels also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 18 free throws, shooting 75%. Additionally, Iona gave up 15 offensive rebounds.
Will the Saints Live Up to Expectations at Home?
Siena’s 103-95 win over Manhattan on Friday brought their record to 7-7. The Saints, who were favored by 3.5 points, covered the spread and picked up the home victory. The game’s total points of 198 far exceeded the over/under line of 139.5.
Siena led 43-42 at halftime and scored 36 points in the second half while allowing 37. The Saints’ defense will need to tighten up, as they’ve been giving up too many points.
Siena’s offense put up 103 points in their last game, shooting 42.2% from the field and 29.7% from three-point range (11/37). They were strong from the free-throw line, hitting 84.6% of their attempts (22/26), and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, with 16 assists as a team.
Devin Dinkins led the way with 26 points, hitting 4 of 7 threes, while Major Freeman and Justice Shoats each added 24 points. Peter Carey was efficient, shooting 66.7% from the field, and Gavin Doty contributed 11 rebounds.
Despite Siena giving up 95 points, they managed to hold their opponent to 42% shooting from the field, with 35 made baskets on 83 attempts. The Saints allowed 24 two-point field goals on 46 attempts, a 52% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Siena’s defense saw 37 three-point attempts, with 11 finding the mark for a 29% shooting percentage. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 22 free throws, shooting 84%. Siena gave up 16 offensive rebounds in the game.