The Princeton Tigers (16-5) and the Ivy League’s top-ranked offense welcome the Yale Bulldogs (17-5) and the top-ranked defense in the conference. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Feb. 19.
The Tigers beat Columbia 88-83 the last time they played. Pete Miller played a key role, recording his second double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are coming off a 67-55 win over Harvard in their last game. Nick Victor played well for Yale, accounting for seven points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
Over the last five games, Justin Sears has upped his play for the Bulldogs. During that stretch, he has averaged 19.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 blocks.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Bulldogs winning the first matchup 79-75. Despite the loss, Henry Caruso was a top performer in the game with 26 points, four rebounds, three steals, and three three-pointers.
The Tigers are hoping to build on their records of 16-5 Straight Up (SU) and 7-5-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (6-1-1). Princeton is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Transitioning to the Princeton defense, teams routinely struggle to score points against the Tigers, who allow only 63.8 points per home game. The Tigers have limited opponents’ efforts from beyond the arc, allowing 6.0 three-pointers made per game.
On the other side, Yale has a SU record of 17-5 and an ATS record of 8-3-2. During the last 10 games, they averaged 84.2 PPG, above their 75.9 PPG season average. The Bulldogs are shooting lights out so far, with a .471 field-goal percentage that ranks 43rd in Division I.
With the Bulldogs’ last win against Princeton, their SU record against Princeton moves to 7-3 over their most recent meetings. The Bulldogs also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-3-1. Yale held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time in the last five game, while Princeton wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Yale, ATS Winner – Yale
Notes
Princeton averages 79.6 points per game this season. Yale is one of the best teams in points allowed, giving up just 63.4 points per game (ranked 13th).
Princeton averages 87.8 points per home game (ranked sixth). Yale allows 65.8 points per away game (ranked 19th).
Ranked 17th, the Yale Bulldogs have one of the top defenses in the country, giving up just 94.7 points per 100 possessions. The Princeton Tigers rank 36th in offense, scoring 113.4 points in the same number of possessions.
On average, Princeton has 70.2 possessions per game and scores 1.134 points on each possession. Yale has both fewer possessions (67.0) and scores fewer points during those possessions (1.132).
The Princeton Tigers average an effective field goal percentage of 53.8% this season. The Yale Bulldogs have split their games this season (2-2) when opponents have an eFG% of 53.8% or greater.
The Princeton Tigers average 25.0 three point attempts per game, and the Yale Bulldogs attempt 17.0 per game. When going for at least 20 three pointers in a game this season, both teams have winning records; Princeton is 13-5 and Yale is 5-2.
Princeton ranks 42nd in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Yale is ranked lower at 133rd with an A/TO of 1.12.
Yale, the 18th-ranked team in rebounding, registers an average of 41.0 rebounds per game. Princeton ranks 72nd with 38.5.
When it comes to offensive rebounds, Yale ranks 13th. Princeton ranks 29th in defensive rebounds.
Opponents have had an average turnover percentage of 18.7% when playing Yale this season. Princeton is undefeated this season (3-0) when its TO% is 18.7% or higher.
