Iona vs Rider Prediction 2/14/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate an Iona vs Rider Prediction for this college basketball game on Friday,  February 14th, at the Hynes Athletic Center. Let’s take a look at an Iona Gaels vs Rider Broncs pick. 

When these two teams faced off on January 23rd it was Iona that was able to secure the 73-67 victory. 

Iona Looks or Fourth Straight Win

Iona has all kinds of confidence right now, and they have won three games in a row. Two games ago against Mount St Mary’s, Iona was able to secure a 70-67 victory. In the last game against Marist, Iona was on the road and was able to win 75-71. At halftime, they were down, but in the second half, they scored 46 points, and that was enough for the victory. Dejour Reaves had a strong game, putting up 24 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Adam Nijle Jr also had a strong game, putting up 20 points, three rebounds, and two assists. 

Iona currently sits with an 11-13 record overall and they have gone 13-10-1 against the spread. At home this season they have gone 5-5 straight up. Iona, overall, is averaging 68.5 points while its defense is giving up 78.0 points per game. The offense is ranked 307th in the league while the defense is ranked 161st. In this game, the defense is going to need to make another statement. Dejour Reaves has been the top player for Iona this season, averaging 16.2 points while shooting 44.1 percent from the field.

Why Iona Will Beat Rider

• Iona has won six of its last seven games.
• Rider has lost seven of its last nine road games.
• Rider has lost the first half in five of its last six games at Hynes Athletics Center.

Can Rider Win a Second Straight Game?

Rider has been inconsistent at best this season but they are coming off a big victory in the last game. Rider faced off against Siena, and the defense gave up only 59 points on the way to the two-point victory. At halftime, they were up 32-29, and they held on for the victory. The Broncs were led by T.J. Weeks Jr who put up 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Two games ago against Sacred Heart, the offense scored 77 points, but the defense gave up 89 points, and that led to the defeat.

Rider sits with a 9-15 record overall, and they have gone 11-13 against the spread. Away from home this season, they sit with a 6-9 record overall. Rider is averaging 65.5 points, while their defense is giving up 72 points per game. The offense is ranked 350th in the league, while the defense is ranked 196th. The offense for this team has been inconsistent, and they need the offense to be better here. T.J. Weeks Jr has been the top player this season, averaging 13.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. 

Iona vs Rider Prediction

Iona already had a six-point victory over Rider this season, and now they have returned home, which means more success. Iona is the better offensive team, and the better defensive team also, and they are going to come out on top.  Rider’s defense is giving up 72 points per game and they are going to really struggle to defend here. Iona is going to go over their season average, and they are going to cover the spread here. Back Iona to win this game by at least 10 points.