Iona Gaels – March Madness Team Predictions, Odds and Preview 2016

Midwest No. 13 – Iona Gaels (Overall: 22-10, Conf: 16-4)

Team Strengths

The Iona Gaels are back in the NCAA Tournament after missing out in the previous three years and they are going to be led by one of the best MAAC players of all-time in A.J. English.

English has unquestionably been the Gael’s best player this season. He’s done a splendid job in making plays for himself and for his teammates by averaging 22.4 PPG and 6.2 APG. The senior forward also marches in to the tournament with a lot of momentum, as he has scored 19 or more points in each of his previous five games, including a solid double-double effort (20 points, 10 assists) in a win over Siena last week.

Meanwhile, the Gael’s offense, which is putting up 79.6 PPG, still has the reliable trio of Jordan Washington (13.8 PPG), Deyshonee Much (13.1 PPG) and Isaiah Williams (12.9 PPG) to provide some buckets.

When you keep in mind these three players as well, Iona’s offense is really loaded enough to take down any team in the tournament. And their first-round opponent—Iowa State Cyclones—might just be their first victims.

Create a betting account now and place your bets already for March Madness.

Team Weaknesses

Iona’s downfall could likely come from their carelessness and their overall defense. The Gaels are turning the ball over at least 12 times per contest and are giving up 73.7 points, which is among the worst in the country today. The team’s perimeter defense, in particular, has been quite mediocre, allowing 7.7 three-pointers made per game. These unnecessary mistakes and mental lapses on their defensive coverages could ultimately spell doom for the Gaels especially when matched up with a tougher or a more experienced opponent.

Team Stats

Category | Stat | NCAA Rank
Points Per Game | 79.6 | 26
Rebounds Per Game | 36.9 | 114
Blocks Per Game | 4.1 | 82
3-Point Percentage | 37.2% | 55
Free Throw Percentage | 71.2% | 124

Starting Lineup

Position | Name | PPG
F | Jordan Washington | 13.8
G | A.J. English | 22.4
G | Deyshonee Much | 13.1
G | Isaiah Williams | 12.9
G | Ibn Muhammad | 5.2

Writer’s Prediction

Iona gets eliminated in the Sweet 16.

The post Iona Gaels – March Madness Team Predictions, Odds and Preview 2016 appeared first on Sports Betting Tips, News, and Analysis.