The Quinnipiac Bobcats enter Friday on a four-game losing streak and will look to try to recapture first place in the MAAC when they hit the road to face the Iona Gaels.
Quinnipiac Bobcats vs. Iona Gaels (-2.5, 155)
The Bobcats’ biggest issue in this losing streak has been their defensive efforts, allowing at least 80 points in all four losses. But, they have an opportunity to stop the bleeding on that side of the ball against an Iona team that is low-tempo, ranking 188th in possessions per game.
Despite the recent slide, Quinnipiac ranks 135th in the nation in points allowed on a per-possession basis, which jumps to 78th in road games. While Iona’s offense takes care of the ball, ranking 58th in turnovers per possession, its free-throw shooting has been costly.
Iona ranks 345th in home free throw shooting percentage at 64.1% and 265th in 2-point shooting percentage, negating much of its ball security and now is without its top scorer.
Greg Gordon, who was averaging 16 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, decided to leave the team for personal reasons just over a week ago, which has led to continued struggles for an Iona offense that was sliding even when he was in the fold. The team has scored 75 points or fewer in six straight games and an average of 70 points per game in the two games without Gordon.
What the Gaels have lacked in offense, they’ve attempted to make up for with defensive intensity, ranking seventh in turnovers forced per offensive play and can exploit a Quinnipiac offense that ranks 180th in turnovers per offensive play.
With Quinnipiac making just 31.5% of its 3-point shots and allowing opponents to shoot just 32.9% from 3-point range in road games, which ranks 97th in the nation, its defense will bounce back on Friday in a game that will feature strong defense from both teams.
The Play: Quinnipiac vs. Iona Under 155
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