NCAAB · Final

Iona Gaels Defeat Niagara Purple Eagles 71-53

Friday, January 9, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Hynes Athletics Center

Iona Gaels 71, Niagara Purple Eagles 53, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Niagara Purple Eagles vs Iona Gaels?

Iona Gaels beat Niagara Purple Eagles 71-53 at Hynes Athletics Center on January 9, 2026.

Who was favored in Niagara Purple Eagles vs Iona Gaels?

Iona Gaels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -575 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.

The Iona Gaels secured a decisive victory over the Niagara Purple Eagles, winning 71-53 at the Hynes Athletics Center. This matchup showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, particularly in terms of their recent performances and overall records. The Gaels entered the game with an 11-6 record, while the Purple Eagles struggled at 4-11. Iona's recent form included a mixed bag of results, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they were looking to bounce back after a loss to Marist Red Foxes just days prior. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 70.1 points, but they also allowed an average of 75.7 points, indicating a need for defensive improvement.

On the other hand, Niagara's recent struggles were evident as they had only won 2 of their last 10 games, with a streak of 1 loss leading into this contest. Their scoring average was lower than Iona's at 62.6 points per game, and they allowed an average of 77.1 points, which highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. The Purple Eagles had not won a game on the road this season, holding a record of 0-6 away from home, while Iona had a more balanced home record of 2-2.

The teams had met once previously in the 2025 season, with Iona narrowly winning 65-63 in that encounter. This history added an intriguing layer to the matchup, as both teams were aware of the competitive nature of their previous meeting. The Gaels were favored to win by a significant margin, with DraftKings setting the spread at -10.5 in favor of Iona, and the total points line at 140.5.

In terms of player availability, the block did not specify any injuries affecting either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this important game. The conditions at the Hynes Athletics Center were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with fans eager to support their home team.

As the game unfolded, Iona took control early and maintained their lead throughout. The scoring plays highlighted key contributions from players like Khalil Badru, who made crucial layups, and CJ Anthony, who added valuable points from the free-throw line. The Gaels' ability to capitalize on their opportunities proved decisive as they built a comfortable lead.

The final score of 71-53 reflected Iona's dominance, particularly in their defensive efforts to limit Niagara's scoring. The Gaels' victory not only bolstered their record but also reinforced their status as a competitive force in the league. The Purple Eagles, meanwhile, faced continued challenges as they sought to improve their performance moving forward.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	IONA -10.5	140.5 o -112 / u -108	Niagara Purple Eagles +425 · Iona Gaels -575

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsLamin Sabally14Iona Gaels
AssistsCJ Anthony5Iona Gaels
ReboundsKosy Akametu12Iona Gaels
PointsJustin Page15Niagara Purple Eagles
AssistsJustin Page5Niagara Purple Eagles
ReboundsJustin Page6Niagara Purple Eagles

Recent form

Iona Gaels

Last 10: 5-5Streak L170.1 scored · 75.7 allowed per game2-2 at home

L38-83at Marist Red FoxesJan 4
W75-72vs Siena SaintsJan 3
L59-66at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersDec 30
W83-78at Vermont CatamountsDec 20
L64-91at St. John's Red StormDec 13
W69-63vs Bryant BulldogsDec 11
W81-69at Sacred Heart PioneersDec 7
L68-89vs Quinnipiac BobcatsDec 6
W89-66at Delaware Blue HensDec 2
L75-80vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 24

Niagara Purple Eagles

Last 10: 2-8Streak L162.6 scored · 77.1 allowed per game0-6 away

L75-83vs Fairfield StagsJan 4
W64-61vs Sacred Heart PioneersJan 2
W81-58vs Houghton HighlandersDec 20
L58-84at VCU RamsDec 16
L73-81at Morgan State BearsDec 13
L43-71at Saint Peter's PeacocksDec 7
L54-83at Siena SaintsDec 6
L66-70vs Detroit Mercy TitansNov 29
L70-80at Howard BisonNov 22
L42-100at Duke Blue DevilsNov 22

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	Niagara Purple Eagles	Iona Gaels
Field goals	20-60	26-58
Field goal %	33	45
Three-pointers	6-27	8-27
Three-point %	22	30
Free throws	7-9	11-13
Free throw %	78	85
Rebounds	30	42
Offensive rebounds	10	13
Defensive rebounds	20	29
Assists	13	16
Steals	5	5
Blocks	1	2
Turnovers	7	9
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	9
Fast-break points	8	1
Points in the paint	26	32
Fouls	13	12
Largest lead	2	28
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	1	93

How the scoring went

1st Half17-33Trenton Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half17-35Lamin Sabally makes 1-foot dunk (CJ Anthony assists)
1st Half17-37Kosy Akametu makes 0-foot tip in layup
1st Half19-37Justin Page makes driving layup (Vice Zanki assists)
1st Half19-39Lamin Sabally makes 2-foot dunk (Denver Anglin assists)
1st Half22-39Reggie Prudhomme makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justin Page assists)
1st Half22-41Lamin Sabally makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half25-41Trenton Walters makes 23-foot three point jumper (Justin Page assists)
2nd Half25-44Denver Anglin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kosy Akametu assists)
2nd Half28-44Landon Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
2nd Half28-46Kosy Akametu makes layup (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half28-48Lamin Sabally makes driving layup
2nd Half28-49Lamin Sabally makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half30-49Justin Page makes driving layup (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
2nd Half30-51Kosy Akametu makes driving layup (Lamin Sabally assists)
2nd Half32-51Kabeya Tshibangu makes 1-foot dunk (Trenton Walters assists)
2nd Half34-51Justin Page makes driving layup (Josiah Sabino assists)
2nd Half36-51Justin Page makes driving layup
2nd Half36-53Chase Cormier makes 22-foot jumper
2nd Half36-55Khalil Badru makes 2-foot dunk (Alliou Fall assists)
2nd Half36-56Chase Cormier makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half36-57Chase Cormier makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half38-57Brian Griffith makes driving layup (Reggie Prudhomme assists)
2nd Half38-60Luke Jungers makes 22-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half38-63Luke Jungers makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Anthony assists)
2nd Half38-66CJ Anthony makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half40-66Landon Williams makes 16-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half42-66Reggie Prudhomme makes 12-foot jumper
2nd Half44-66Josiah Sabino makes layup (Justin Page assists)
2nd Half45-66Josiah Sabino makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-66Josiah Sabino makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-67Khalil Badru makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half48-67Justin Page makes layup
2nd Half50-67Justin Page makes driving layup
2nd Half50-68CJ Anthony makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half50-69CJ Anthony makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-71Khalil Badru makes layup (Chase Cormier assists)
2nd Half51-71AJ McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half52-71AJ McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half53-71AJ McBride makes free throw 2 of 2