Eckel picks the MAAC: Rider is a solid home team favorite against a struggling Manhattan squad

Manhattan at Rider (-7.5), 7 p.m.

If Rider is anything it is a very good MAAC team at home.

The Broncs (17-12, 11-8) have lost just once this year at Alumni Gym, aka “The Broncs Zoo’’, and have been very impressive in their latest wins.

Four of Rider’s last five home wins have been by a dozen points, or more, and tonight’s last home game of the season figures to look the same.

Manhattan (12-15, 8-10) is a mess right now. The Jaspers have lost five of their last six games with the only win against lowly Marist. It could be the team has just packed it in for the season.

Rider is currently in fourth place in he MAAC, but a win Wednesday night and a loss by Monmouth either Wednesday to Fairfield (doubtful) or Friday to Siena (possible) and the Broncs move into third place.

Picked to finish second in the preseason this hasn’t been the best of years for the Broncs, but a strong finish and a good showing in the MAAC Tournament can change all of that.

The Pick: Manhattan is bad, but is even worse on the road where the Jaspers are 1-6 straight up and ATS in their last seven games. Rider should roll in this one. Give the points.