Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Iona Gaels Preview & Prediction - 3/5/2026

Sacred Heart and Iona will meet Thursday night in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament first-round game. Iona enters the matchup with the stronger overall record at 18-13, while Sacred Heart sits at 13-18 but has shown improved play down the stretch, as there isn't much to separate these teams during MAAC play. Before the MAACtion begins from Atlantic City, you can continue reading to find my Sacred Heart vs Iona prediction here.

Our Sacred Heart vs Iona Pick

Pick: Iona -2.5 ATS PRO

Confidence: 3 out of 5

Game Snapshot

• Matchup: Sacred Heart Pioneers @ Iona Gaels
• Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 6:00 PM ET
• Venue: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
• Broadcast: ESPN+

Key Storylines

Iona has produced a solid 18-13 record and has generally played its best basketball at home, where the Gaels have won the majority of their games. But they won't be at home again this season, as they are playing neutral-site hoops from here on out. Sacred Heart, meanwhile, finished the regular season with signs of progress after a difficult start and enters the matchup with confidence after several competitive performances in conference play.

Sacred Heart plays a faster style and averages more points per game than Iona, but the Pioneers also give up a higher scoring average on defense. Iona has been more balanced on both ends and is capable of controlling tempo, which could prove valuable in a postseason setting where possessions become more important.

Key Players

Iona

• CJ Anthony leads the Gaels offense and has been a consistent scoring option throughout the season. His ability to create shots off the dribble and stretch defenses with perimeter shooting makes him a focal point of the offense.
• Keshawn Williams provides versatility with scoring and rebounding production. His defensive activity and ability to impact the glass help compensate for Iona’s rebounding deficit as a team.
• Toby Harris adds depth in the backcourt and can provide instant offense, especially from beyond the arc, where Iona averages nearly 10 made three pointers per game.

Sacred Heart

• Anquan Hill is the Pioneers’ leading scorer at 17.5 points per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. His scoring ability and experience make him their primary offensive weapon.
• Mekhi Conner runs the offense from the point guard position and averages over 6 assists per game. His court vision and ability to set up teammates are critical to Sacred Heart’s offensive flow.
• Dashon Gittens contributes scoring on the perimeter and provides another option when Hill draws defensive attention.

Stat Comparison

Head-to-Head & Betting Trends

• Iona defeated Sacred Heart earlier this season, 81-69.
• Sacred Heart is 14-16 against the spread this season.
• Iona holds a strong 19-12 ATS record this year.

Sacred Heart vs Iona Model Projection

Score Projection: Sacred Heart 74 – Iona 79 ATS PRO

Win Probability: Sacred Heart 44%, Iona 56% ATS PRO

Final Thoughts

I am going to lay the points with Iona in this MAAC tournament opener from New Jersey. The Gaels have dominated this event historically. And while they are not as good as they have been in previous years, the Gaels should still be able to get an important victory to advance to round two against a team they have already defeated by double-digits once this season.

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