5* NCAAB *Friday Night Feast*

Fairfield vs. Iona, 02/24/2012 21:00 EDT, Score: 72 - 77

Point Spread: +8/-108 Fairfield

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

5* NCAAB *Friday Night Feast* on Fairfield +8
Since losing 71-62 at home to Iona on Jan. 27, the defending MAAC champs have been on a mission. They have won 7 straight in conference play by an average of 14.4 points. This run includes an impressive 6-point home win over Manhattan and an even more impressive 17-point road win over Loyola Maryland. With a chance to pull even with Iona for first place in the league, I expect an inspired effort from the Stags this evening.

The first meeting between these two was closer than the final score might lead you to believe. Despite facing a 19-point half time deficit, Fairfield rallied to pull within 4 points with 2:39 remaining. They missed their final 3 shots while the Gaels connected on 5 of 6 free throws to earn the 9-point victory. I don't see the Stags falling behind big again, which gives them an excellent opportunity to cover this generous number.

Coach Sydney Johnson's teams are 14-4 ATS all-time as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points. In addition, his squads are 15-5 ATS when out for revenge for a home loss to an opponent and 12-3 ATS when out for revenge for a same season loss to a foe.

The Stags are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. the MAAC. The Gaels are just 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5 points and 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 7.0-12.5 points. We'll take the points.