The Niagara Purple Eagles (12-15, 5-9 MAAC) will be at Alumni Gymnasium to square off against the Rider Broncs (14-13, 9-6 MAAC) in a MAAC matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 22, 2019.
Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Rider Broncs Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Broncs defeated the Saint Peter’s Peacocks 71-65, while the Purple Eagles beat the Fairfield Stags 78-73.
Niagara dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.365 (above their season average of 0.238) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.9 (below their season average of 27.1). Fairfield was 0.060 and 16.7, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Rider played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.0 (better than their season average of 16.0) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 30.3). Saint Peter’s recorded marks of 19.8 and 31.0, respectively, for those same stats. Rider received a boost from Tyere Marshall, who contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds. Dominic Robb fueled Niagara with 23 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Marshall led the Broncs to a 104-84 win. He notched a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Rider’s 0.679 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Niagara, who had a mark of 0.529.
It will be a matchup of contrasting paces as the fast-breaking Broncs will look to push the more half-court-oriented Purple Eagles. The Broncs rank 43rd in possessions per game while the Purple Eagles are 158th.
Niagara Purple Eagles at Rider Broncs Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rider, ATS Winner – Rider, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rider ranks ninth in steals per game (9.1) while Niagara ranks 229th (4.1).
- The Broncs rank 107th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Purple Eagles rank 185th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
- Niagara ranks 76th in blocks per game (3.8) while Rider ranks 138th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Broncs rank 108th in assists per game (14.0) while the Purple Eagles rank 235th (11.1).
- Niagara averages 22.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 144th in the nation. Rider ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Purple Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.8, up from 2.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Broncs have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
