Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers vs Iona Gaels Pick – 3/15/2025

The Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers and the Iona Gaels are set to face off in the MAAC Tournament championship game on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm Eastern Time. This highly anticipated contest will take place at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season, making this championship clash a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers vs. Iona Gaels Game Preview

Mount St. Mary's enters the championship game with a 21-12 record, having won four of their last five games. Their recent victory over Merrimack was a testament to their defensive prowess, as they held their opponents to 55 points on 35.8% shooting. Offensively, the Mountaineers have been averaging 71 points per game on 44.5% shooting from the field. However, it's noteworthy that they've scored 62 points or fewer in each of their last three victories, indicating a reliance on their defensive capabilities to secure wins.

Key players for Mount St. Mary's include Arlandus Keyes, who led the team with 13 points in their recent win over Merrimack. The team's ability to control the boards was evident as they out-rebounded Merrimack by 16, a factor that could play a significant role in the upcoming game.

On the other side, the Iona Gaels have shown remarkable improvement as the season progressed. After a challenging start, they have achieved a 17-16 record, winning six of their last seven games. Their recent 81-73 victory over Quinnipiac showcased their offensive capabilities, with the team shooting 52.5% from the field and securing a 38-29 rebounding advantage. Leading the charge was Dejour Reaves, who scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds. Adam Njie contributed 21 points and six assists, while Yaphet Moundi added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Defensively, Iona has been allowing 70.6 points per game this season. Their ability to limit opponents' shooting percentages and control the rebounding battle has been instrumental in their recent success.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, the betting odds for this championship game are as follows:

• Point Spread: Iona -3.5
• Over/Under: 137.5 points

These odds suggest that Iona is favored to win by a narrow margin, with expectations of a moderately high-scoring game. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Recent Performance: Iona's offensive surge, scoring 77 or more points in four of their last five games, indicates a team peaking at the right time. Conversely, Mount St. Mary's reliance on defense and lower-scoring games could influence the total points.
• Head-to-Head Matchups: The teams have split their recent encounters. Notably, Iona secured a 70-67 overtime victory on February 6, 2025, with Reaves hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. This suggests a closely contested matchup.
• Player Impact: The performances of key players like Reaves and Njie for Iona, and Keyes for Mount St. Mary's, will be pivotal. Their ability to execute under pressure could sway the game's outcome.

Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers vs. Iona Gaels Prediction

Analyzing the current form and statistical data, this championship game is poised to be a tightly contested battle. Iona's recent offensive resurgence, coupled with their ability to control the boards, gives them a slight edge. Their experience in close games, as evidenced by their overtime win against Mount St. Mary's earlier in the season, could prove beneficial.

However, Mount St. Mary's defensive tenacity and their success in low-scoring games cannot be overlooked. Their ability to disrupt Iona's offensive rhythm and capitalize on defensive stops will be crucial.

Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards Iona securing a narrow victory, covering the -3.5 point spread. The final score is projected to be in the vicinity of 75-69 in favor of Iona. Bettors should monitor any late-breaking news or player updates that could influence the game's dynamics.