Atlantic 10 Thursday Preview and Predictions

Game of the Day: Iona vs Rhode Island

With E.C. Matthews back, Rhode Island is back to full strength, and look to get everything sorted out in these last two non-conference games before A-10 play. But, they are welcoming an Iona team that has won 5 of their last 6 games and are very hot heading into this one. Here are some keys to the game for both sides.

Iona is led by guard Rickey McGill, who not only leads the team in points and assists, but is also what makes the offense run. Rhode Island will try to get him out of rhythm and in turn shut down the offense. Another player to look out for is their guard Schadrac Casimir, who has had some bizarre numbers. In his last five games, his point totals are: 21,4,0,0,22. While he is very inconsistent, the Rams will have to make sure to keep an eye on him throughout this one. One more thing to note, A-10 fans probably remember Zach Smith from UMass. Well, he is now at Iona, and he is a guy that Rhode Island will be familiar with.

For the Rams, they will hope to get some solid work from E.C. Matthews, who saw limited minutes in there last game as he works his way back into the rotation. They will also hope to get some stronger play from there bigs, specifically Andre Berry, who only has 10 rebounds in there last 3 games. It isn’t to0 big an issue now, but the bigs will have to start performing better once conference play starts.

The Rams are undefeated at home this season, and with their track record so far this should be a game that causes them little trouble. As long as they aren’t looking ahead, they should be able to take this one with ease.

My Prediction: Rhode Island 76, Iona 59

Fordham vs Florida A&M

Fordham has lost a couple of games that they really should’ve won so far this season, and they have to do whatever it takes to not let that happen again in this one. The Rattlers have gained a lot of experience from playing upper level competition, but they are still far beneath the Rams in talent. Chartouny has significantly struggled shooting so far this year, and this could be the game where he starts to get on track. Expect Ivan Raut and David Pekarek to have a strong game, as the Rattlers have not had much success rebounding this season.

The Rams play WVU on Saturday, and hopefully they do not start thinking about that until after this game ends.

My Prediction: Fordham 73, Florida A&M 55

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