There is a tricky read in the Metro-Atlantic as there are some entries (like Marist, Saint Peter's, and Manhattan) that play at very slow paces, and some that don't. These two here tonight fall in the latter category as reflected in their first meeting on February 4 in New Rochelle that landed 94-93 in Iona's favor. The MAAC pattern for both has mostly continued since and tonight these two don't have to worry about the other slowing the pace. The first meeting bristled, and the Broncs will also be thinking they can do a bit better as top scorer G Mervin James was hampered by fouls and limited to 24 minutes and just just 10 points, well beneath his 18.6 ppg. Play Iona-Rider "Over"

Iona is the better team most likely at full strength, but the Gaels' leading scorer and rebounder Greg Gordon (16.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG) just up and left the team for personal reasons. When Rider lost by a point at Iona on Feb. 4, Gordon had 28 points, six assists and five rebounds. Rider is 6-0 in MAAC play when allowing fewer than 67 points and I'm not sure Iona now gets to 67. The Broncs' Mervin James leads the MAAC at 18.6 points per game.