The Iona Gaels and the Saint Peter’s Peacocks meet Sunday in college basketball action from Yanitelli Center. Iona is fresh off a Friday game versus Manhattan. The Gaels would go on to win by 11 points. As for Saint Peter’s, they’re sitting at 10-14 overall following a loss to Manhattan on Sunday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Iona Gaels
Iona managed a reasonable 12-6 record over their first 18 games this year. In the next seven outings the Gaels hit a nice 6-1 stretch, beating Manhattan, Quinnipiac, Mount St. Mary’s, Fairfield, Canisius and Niagara (with a loss to Siena).
In the Manhattan matchup on Friday, the Gaels were ahead 35-24 going into the second half. Iona kept the pace with 36 points from there and won 71-60. Nelly Junior Joseph (12 points; 17 rebounds) and Daniss Jenkins (10 points; 10 assists) each doubled up.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks
Over on the Saint Peter’s side, they managed a shaky 7-9 start to the year. The Peacocks are 3-5 in their last eight games with losses to Quinnipiac, Fairfield, Niagara, Rider and Manhattan alongside wins over Marist, Mount St. Mary’s and Marist again.
Last Sunday in the Manhattan game, the Peacocks were outscored 28-14 in the first half. Saint Peter’s stayed behind on a 40-38 run in the second half and lost 68-52. Kyle Cardaci led the team on 16 points in 20 minutes of work.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with Iona in this one. These teams last met up on New Year’s Day at Hynes Athletic Center. Iona jumped out to a 42-30 halftime lead in that one and eventually pulled off the win 73-55. Saint Peter’s hasn’t been in the win column very much since then and they’re not scoring particularly well in general. The Peacocks have been below 67 points in nine of their last 11 outings. I don’t think Saint Peter’s will put up much of a fight in this one either, so it should be Iona’s cover if they play well.