The MAAC Daddy: Eckel picks Rider at Iona in a key game for both teams

Rider at Iona (-1.5), 7 p.m.

As the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season winds down teams are jockeying for position in the standings.

Rider (15-10, 9-6) is a game out of first place, while Iona (9-13, 7-8) is a half-game out of the crucial fifth-place spot (the top five teams in the MAAC avoid a play-in game).

So it’s a big game for both teams.

Iona has been as inconsistent as any team in the MAAC, but has won four of its last five games with the only loss a one-point decision at Siena (where the Saints are unbeaten). The Gaels also own a 69-66 win over Rider in Lawrenceville.

This game is in New Rochelle and that’s not good for the Broncs, who are 2-5 on the road in the MAAC, 2-9 in their last 11 road games overall and 3-13 against the spread on the road.

Look for a big night from Iona senior guard E.J. Crawford as the Gaels roll.

The Pick: Iona minus 1.5