Rider Broncs vs Iona Gaels

This NCAAB matchup features Rider Broncs (4-24 (4-9)) traveling to take on Iona Gaels (17-13 (11-3)) at Hynes Athletics Center, New Rochelle, NY. The Iona hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the Rider by 13.0 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. Iona averages 73.6 points per game, but they face a Rider defense that holds opponents to 76.0 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, Rider scores 63.7 PPG but faces a Iona defense that limits opponents to 72.8 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and Iona will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects Iona to win by approximately 9.8 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from Iona winning by 22 to losing by 3. The market has this game at -12.5, but our model sees value on Rider with a 2.7-point edge. Our line: Iona -9.8. Combined with the total projection of 137 versus the market line of 140.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

Iona enters at 17-13 (11-3), hovering around the .500 mark. They've shown flashes of strong play but haven't been able to sustain consistency. At home, they'll look to put together a complete performance and build momentum. It's been a difficult season for Rider at 4-24 (4-9). Traveling to face Iona presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.