Monmouth vs. Iona Prediction and Odds (Back the Hawks vs. Big Road Number)

What's going on with the Iona Gaels?

After starting off undefeated through the MAAC through their first 11 games, the Gaels have dropped two straight at Niagra and Siena.

They'll look to avoid a third consecutive loss when they host the Monmouth Hawks this afternoon in New Rochelle. The Hawks play their second straight game on the road following a 10-point win at Manhattan earlier in the week.

Here's the latest odds for today's tip-off over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Monmouth vs. Iona Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Monmouth +9 (-110)
• Iona -9 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Monmouth +310
• Iona -400

Total:

• 144 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Monmouth vs. Iona Prediction and Pick

I'm a bit suspicious at the Gaels being a nine-point favorite despite their recent struggles.

Could the Gaels come out on fire? Certainly. Iona boasts the most efficient offense in the MAAC, as well as the top offensive rebounding percentage.

The issue for them as of late has been their defense. They gave up 80 points to Niagra last Sunday, failing to get stops when they were in striking distance in the second half. Their following game, they let Siena drop 70 on them, a team that hadn't sniffed 70-plus points in almost two weeks.

Meanwhile, Monmouth has been a top 5 covering team all season. The Hawks are 17-7-0 ATS, including 12-2-0 on the road. Part of their success has been their ability to get to the line, ranking first in the MAAC in free throw attempts / field goal attempts.

If Monmouth can limit the Gaels getting extra possessions on offense, they'll be in this game from start to finish. The last time these two teams played, Monmouth fell by one at home in overtime. While it may not be as close the second time around, I still expect it to fall within a nine-point range.

LEAN: Monmouth +9 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting picks in real-time HERE!