MAAC Championship Preview: Iona vs Mount St. Mary's Odds, Picks & Betting Analysis
Fourth-seeded Iona (17-16) faces sixth-seeded Mount St. Mary (21-12) in the MAAC Tournament championship game, with both teams vying for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Man dribbles basketball on outdoor court
Mount St. Mary's enters the game with impressive momentum, going 10-3 since January 31st - the best record in the MAAC during that stretch. They feature four double-digit scorers, led by Dola Adebayo (13.1 PPG) and Dallas Hobbs (12.4 PPG).
Iona rides a five-game winning streak and boasts 14 previous conference titles. Senior guard Dejour Reaves leads the Gaels with 17.2 PPG and hit the game-winner in their regular season matchup. Head coach Tobin Anderson, known for leading Fairleigh Dickinson's upset over Purdue in 2023, guides an Iona team ranking fourth nationally in offensive rebounds and fifth in steals.
Key Statistics:
- Both teams average 70 points per game
- Both allow 70 points per game
- Previous matchup: Iona won 70-67 on Reaves' buzzer-beater
- Iona leads all-time series 7-2 (5-1 as conference rivals)
Betting Odds (DraftKings):
- Spread: Mount St. Mary +4.5
- Total: Under 133.5
- Moneyline: Mount St. Mary +160, Iona -170
Prediction: Mount St. Mary's momentum suggests they'll keep it close or potentially win outright. The under is favorable given the championship pressure and similar defensive metrics.
Best Bets:
- Mount St. Mary +4.5
- Under 133.5
The matchup features two evenly matched teams, with Mount St. Mary seeking their first NCAA appearance since 2021 and Iona looking to add to their rich tournament history. Both teams finished the regular season tied for fourth in the MAAC at 12-8.