Niagara Edges Iona in Thrilling Finish
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Gallagher Center
Niagara Purple Eagles 70, Iona Gaels 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Iona Gaels vs Niagara Purple Eagles?
Niagara Purple Eagles beat Iona Gaels 70-68 at Gallagher Center on February 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Iona Gaels vs Niagara Purple Eagles?
Iona Gaels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Niagara Purple Eagles triumphed over the Iona Gaels with a final score of 70-68 at the Gallagher Center. This victory is significant for Niagara, who has struggled throughout the season with a record of 7-19, while Iona now stands at 15-12. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth scoring, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
Niagara entered the game with a recent form of 2-8 over their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 63.2 points scored and allowed 66.2 points during this stretch. Their last match was a loss to the Manhattan Jaspers, where they fell 69-76. At home, they have had a record of 1-4 in their last five games, averaging 62.8 points scored and 65.6 points allowed. In contrast, Iona's recent form has been more favorable, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, including a win against the Canisius Golden Griffins just prior to this matchup. Iona's average scoring during this stretch was 69.0 points, with an average of 66.3 points allowed.
Historically, Niagara has struggled against Iona, losing both of their previous meetings this season. The last encounter took place on January 10, 2026, where Iona defeated Niagara 71-53. The other meeting was a close contest on February 28, 2025, ending with a score of 65-63 in favor of Iona. This backdrop added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as Niagara sought to break their losing streak against their rivals.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the game's dynamics. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Iona favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 132.5. This indicates that the expectation was for a relatively low-scoring game, reflecting both teams' recent scoring averages.
The conditions at the Gallagher Center were conducive to a competitive game, with fans witnessing a thrilling atmosphere. As the game progressed, the lead changed hands multiple times, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry. The final moments saw crucial free throws from both sides, with Niagara's Justin Hawkins making a layup to secure the win.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of resilience from Niagara, who managed to hold off Iona's attempts to regain the lead in the closing minutes. This victory not only boosts Niagara's morale but also adds a chapter to their season, demonstrating their capability to compete against stronger opponents.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IONA -3.5 | 132.5 o -110 / u -110 | Iona Gaels -198 · Niagara Purple Eagles +164 |
Leaders
- PointsBrian Griffith17Niagara Purple Eagles
- AssistsBrian Griffith3Niagara Purple Eagles
- ReboundsJosiah Sabino5Niagara Purple Eagles
- PointsToby Harris18Iona Gaels
- AssistsCJ Anthony4Iona Gaels
- ReboundsLamin Sabally7Iona Gaels
Recent form
Niagara Purple Eagles
Last 10: 2-8Streak L263.2 scored · 66.2 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L69-76vs Manhattan JaspersFeb 13
- L55-56at Quinnipiac BobcatsFeb 7
- W65-56vs Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 3
- L46-58vs Marist Red FoxesFeb 1
- L79-82vs Siena SaintsJan 30
- L70-71at Sacred Heart PioneersJan 24
- L61-62at Fairfield StagsJan 23
- L58-68vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersJan 19
- W59-54at Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 15
- L70-79at Manhattan JaspersJan 11
Iona Gaels
Last 10: 5-5Streak W169 scored · 66.3 allowed per game1-3 away
- W69-63at Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 14
- L76-83vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 8
- L72-79at Siena SaintsFeb 6
- L70-71vs Fairfield StagsJan 31
- W66-57vs Manhattan JaspersJan 25
- W61-60vs Merrimack WarriorsJan 23
- L63-77at Saint Peter's PeacocksJan 19
- L68-72at Rider BroncsJan 15
- W74-48vs Canisius Golden GriffinsJan 11
- W71-53vs Niagara Purple EaglesJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 23-11 | - | 17-3 |
| Saint Peter's | 17-12 | 3 | 14-6 |
| Siena | 23-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Marist | 19-12 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Quinnipiac | 19-13 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Fairfield | 21-13 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 15-17 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Iona | 18-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Sacred Heart | 14-19 | 8 | 9-11 |
| Manhattan | 12-20 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Canisius | 10-21 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Niagara | 8-22 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Rider | 4-25 | 14 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Iona Gaels | Niagara Purple Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-51 | 24-47 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 9-30 | 9-18 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 50 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 13-15 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 21 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 30 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 26 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-38Trenton Walters makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half32-40Will Shortt makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half34-40Toby Harris makes 17-foot jumper (Alliou Fall assists)
- 2nd Half34-42Landon Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half34-43Landon Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half37-43Toby Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half37-45Drew Larson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-45Toby Harris makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-45Denver Anglin makes layup
- 2nd Half44-45Toby Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lamin Sabally assists)
- 2nd Half45-45Kosy Akametu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-45Kosy Akametu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-45Luke Jungers makes layup
- 2nd Half49-45Luke Jungers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-45CJ Anthony makes 28-foot three point jumper (Denver Anglin assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Luke Jungers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-48Brian Griffith makes 24-foot three point jumper (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
- 2nd Half53-50Brian Griffith makes layup
- 2nd Half55-50CJ Anthony makes layup
- 2nd Half55-52Reggie Prudhomme makes layup (Vice Zanki assists)
- 2nd Half55-53Reggie Prudhomme makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-56Vice Zanki makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brian Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half57-56Toby Harris makes 18-foot jumper (Lamin Sabally assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Brian Griffith makes layup
- 2nd Half57-59Brian Griffith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Brian Griffith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-61Josiah Sabino makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-62Josiah Sabino makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-62Kosy Akametu makes 25-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
- 2nd Half63-62CJ Anthony makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kosy Akametu assists)
- 2nd Half63-64Trenton Walters makes layup
- 2nd Half65-64Kosy Akametu makes layup (CJ Anthony assists)
- 2nd Half66-64Kosy Akametu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-65Trenton Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Trenton Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66Lamin Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Lamin Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Brian Griffith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-68Brian Griffith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Justin Hawkins makes layup (Brian Griffith assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Niagara Purple Eagles, below favours Iona Gaels.
Venue
- Gallagher CenterNiagara Falls, NY
- Attendance836
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond