Iona Gaels vs Nevada Wolf Pack Point Spread Picks

Iona will make the long trip to Nevada after opening the season having to travel to Florida. And their step up in class did not turn out so well as they were crushed by Florida State. They did not shoot very well in that game, and now they have to make another long trip and play at an altitude of 4,610 feet. That could be a deadly combination. And early in the season fatigue could be an issue, and the shots that didn't fall vs. Florida State may be tougher at this venue. Nevada has been very efficient so far on offense, but the average of 51 shots a game is very low, and the same efficiency is unlikely, so I think the total here is over-done as the pace of their three games has been below average. Make the play on the UNDER.

Nevada has hit the skids, losing five of six games. The defense has been awful allowing 105, 83, 81, 92 and 82 points the last five. Nevada is on a 2-5 ATS run and the Wolf Pack is 0-7 ATS in their last seven home games. Iona has more wins on the road than Nevada has at home. The Iona Gaels are ranked #40 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 48% as a team while Nevada is 1-3 at home this season, and 4-7 overall. Iona has plenty of offense (81 points per game) and is off a loss, but the Gaels are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up loss. Play Iona.

Bracket buster games mostly don't live up to the hype, but this is a game that will have a playoff-like atmosphere, which means outstanding defense, as both teams have topped 20 wins and are powerhouses in their conferences. Nevada (22-4) is tops in the WAC in wins and defense allowing 63.4 points per game and field goal shooting defense, just 40.6% from the field. And when they play good teams, their defense rises, as the UNDER is 6-2 in the Wolf Pack's last eight games against a team with a winning percentage above .600. This Iona team (21-6) is also tops in its conference (MAAC) and on a 7-3-1 run UNDER the total. The UNDER is also 10-2 in the Gaels’ last 12 home games against a team with a winning road record. Look for a tough defensive battle, so play the UNDER.