Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Iona Gaels Picks and Prediction for Thursday, March 5, 2026
Use Code WWWC We’ve got a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament first-round showdown on Thursday when the Sacred Heart Pioneers (13-18, 9-11 MAAC) take on the Iona Gaels (18-13, 10-10 MAAC) in Atlantic City, NJ. These teams split earlier meetings this season with Iona winning 81-69 in the last matchup on Dec. 7. Iona now seeks to advance in the MAAC Tournament, while Sacred Heart looks to extend its season with an upset. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.
Pioneers aim to flip the script
Sacred Heart has battled through a challenging MAAC slate but has shown scoring pops — especially late in games. The Pioneers average about 75.6 points per game this season and have been competitive in most conference matchups. According to updated 2025-26 data, Sacred Heart is averaging 75.6 PPG while conceding 76.7 PPG on defense.
Key Players & 2025-26 Stats
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Anquan Hill (G): Team leader at 17.5 PPG and 6.1 RPG, often the go-to scorer in crucial moments.
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Nyle Ralph-Beyer (G/F): Averaging 15.2 PPG over his last 10 games, providing secondary offensive firepower.
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Dashon Gittens (G): Consistent threat capable of scoring in bunches and creating for others.
Strengths
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Above-average offense in conference play with multiple scoring options.
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Can push pace and generate transition looks if turnovers are forced.
Weaknesses
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Defensive efficiency has been a season-long issue, with opponents scoring nearly as much as Sacred Heart.
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Rebounding has been inconsistent, especially against stronger frontcourts.
Gaels look to control tempo
Iona’s regular season positioned them in the middle of the MAAC standings, and they’ll carry that into this tournament game. The Gaels average 73.6 PPG and are strong on the defensive glass, ranking second in the MAAC in defensive rebounds per game (about 24.4 per contest).
Key Players & 2025-26 Stats
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CJ Anthony (G): Iona’s primary scorer at 14.4 PPG, highly efficient and capable of creating his own shot.
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Lamin Sabally (F): Leads the team in defensive rebounding (~5.6 DRPG) and provides physicality in the paint.
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Kosy Akametu (G/F): Averaging 15.1 PPG over his last 10 games, adding balance and depth.
Strengths
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Defensive rebounding edge controls the glass better than most MAAC teams.
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Balanced scoring with both guards and forwards contributing.
Weaknesses
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Offensive rebound margin is less impressive, potentially limiting second-chance points.
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Can struggle for consistency against pressure defenses that force early turnovers.
Sacred Heart vs. Iona Picks
- Iona -2.5 (5 units)
Iona’s rebounding strength and defensive discipline give it an edge in a close tournament environment. Sacred Heart can score but hasn’t consistently shut teams down, especially against balanced scoring threats like the Gaels. If Iona controls the tempo and limits transition, they should take charge in the second half.
Total Pick for Sacred Heart vs. Iona
- Under 148.5 (5 units)
Both teams tend to play near league-average tempo, and early tournament games often tighten up offensively. With solid defenses and fewer fast-break opportunities expected, a slower, half-court style should keep the scoring under the projected total.
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