It will be a battle between Ivy opponents when the Harvard Crimson (10-7, 3-1 Ivy) welcome the Columbia Lions (6-12, 1-3 Ivy) to Lavietes Pavilion. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 8, 2019.
Columbia Lions at Harvard Crimson Free Prediction
The Lions are trying to rebound after their 72-70 loss to the Penn Quakers in their last contest. One of Penn’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 27 trips to the line, while Columbia went just six times. Gabe Stefanini was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 12-for-20 shooting.
The last time the Crimson played, they easily got past the Brown Bears, 68-47. The Crimson had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.628 (above their season average of 0.548) and had a free throw rate of 0.326 (above their season average of 0.191). With 10 points and seven rebounds, Harvard’s Robert Baker had a solid performance.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Crimson won the last contest 93-74. Harvard’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Crimson had 10 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Lions had five and 17, respectively.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Harvard figures to have a considerable edge. The elite Crimson offense ranks 35th in the country in that metric at 0.551, while the Columbia defense is ranked 249th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.516).
Columbia Lions vs. Harvard Crimson Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Harvard, ATS Winner – Harvard, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Columbia ranks 25th in steals per game (8.2) while Harvard ranks 192nd (5.1).
The Crimson rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while the Lions rank 141st (35.1).
Columbia ranks 16th in assists per game (17.0) while Harvard ranks 132nd (13.6).
The Crimson average 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 140th in the nation. The Lions rank 188th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Harvard ranks 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Columbia ranks 69th (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crimson have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
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