Niagara Purple Eagles vs Canisius Golden Griffins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/31/25
Betting on today’s Purple Eagles and Golden Griffins game? Catch the action at Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo, NY, as the Golden Griffins hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. Niagara is favored by -4 in this Metro Atlantic Athletic conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 137.5 points.
NIAGARA PURPLE EAGLES VS CANISIUS GOLDEN GRIFFINS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Canisius Golden Griffins +4
This game will be played at Koessler Athletic Center at 7:00 ET on Friday, January 31st.
WHY BET THE CANISIUS GOLDEN GRIFFINS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Golden Griffins.
- Not only will Canisius pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +4.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Purple Eagles Make it Happen in Buffalo?
Niagara Purple Eagles Recent Game/Games
Niagara’s season continued to be a struggle as they fell to 6-13 after an 86-77 loss to Sacred Heart on Saturday. The Purple Eagles, who were -2 favorites at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 41-38 at halftime, Niagara allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 39. The game’s total points reached 163, surpassing the O/U line of 142.5.
Niagara’s offense put up 77 points in their last game, shooting 47.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 59%. They hit 41.2% of their threes, going 14-for-34 from deep, and connected on 55.6% of their two-point attempts.
Mekhi Conner was a standout, shooting 85.7% from the field and adding 9 assists. Jaeden Marshall and Nyle Ralph-Beyer each contributed 16 points, with Ralph-Beyer hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Niagara’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 86 points on 47% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to connect on 55% of their two-point attempts, with the team hitting 15 of 27 shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Niagara’s opponents went 14 for 34, shooting 41%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 7 times, where they made 5, shooting 71%. Niagara gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.
Is a Home Win Possible for Canisius?
Canisius Golden Griffins Recent Game/Games
Canisius fell to 2-18 on the season after a 70-47 home loss to Marist on Saturday. Entering the game as +8.5 point underdogs, the Golden Griffins not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 30-27 at halftime, Canisius struggled in the second half, scoring just 20 points while allowing 40. The game’s total points of 117 fell short of the 131.5 O/U line.
Canisius struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 47 points with a field goal percentage of 29.8% (17/57). Their effective field goal percentage was 35.1%, and they hit only 27.8% of their two-point attempts (10/36), while shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc (7/21).
Josh Pascarelli led the team with 15 points and 4 assists, shooting 46.2% overall and 37.5% from three-point range. Paul McMillan IV added 13 points, despite shooting just 25.0% from the field, and Cam Palesse contributed 12 points, hitting 57.1% of his shots and 50.0% from deep.
Canisius put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 70 points on 29% shooting from the field. The Golden Griffins were especially tough inside, limiting two-point attempts to 27% shooting, with only 10 makes on 36 tries.
From beyond the arc, Canisius gave up 7 threes on 21 attempts, a 33% success rate. They sent their opponent to the free-throw line just 8 times, where they converted 6. The Golden Griffins also controlled the boards, allowing only 6 offensive rebounds.