The Harvard Crimson (18-13) go head-to-head against the Marquette Golden Eagles (19-13) in the NIT at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points with Marquette set as an 11.5-point favorite.
Harvard Crimson at Marquette Golden Eagles ATS Prediction
The Crimson are trying to rebound after their 68-65 loss to the Penn Quakers in their last matchup. Penn’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Harvard. The Quakers had a rate of 0.538 (above their season average of 0.534), while the Crimson posted a mark of 0.482. Seth Towns put together a solid game for Harvard, finishing with 13 points and six rebounds.
In the Golden Eagles’ last game, they were blown out by the No. 2 Villanova Wildcats, 94-70. Villanova’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Marquette. The Wildcats had a rate of 34.5 (above their season average of 28.0), while the Golden Eagles posted a mark of 20.6 (below their season average of 27.5). With 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Markus Howard led Marquette in scoring.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Marquette currently ranks 19th in offensive efficiency and Harvard is 59th in defensive efficiency.
Harvard comes into the game with records of 18-13 straight up (SU) and 16-9-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Crimson are involved, as 15 of their 27 games have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Marquette owns records of 19-13 SU and 15-15-1 ATS. Contrary to Harvard, games featuring the Golden Eagles have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (60.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Seth Towns (17.6 points and 8.6 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Crimson while Andrew Rowsey (22.8 points and 6.0 assists) has made solid contributions to the Golden Eagles.
Harvard Crimson at Marquette Golden Eagles Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Harvard, ATS Winner – Harvard, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Harvard ranks 83rd in assists allowed per game (12.4) while Marquette ranks 240th (15.0).
The Golden Eagles average 26.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. The Crimson rank 147th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5).
Harvard ranks 174th in rebounds per game (34.8) while Marquette ranks 285th (32.2).
The Crimson rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Golden Eagles rank 56th (2.8).
Marquette averages 6.2 steals per game, which ranks 135th in the nation. Harvard ranks 169th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Crimson’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Eagles have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (5.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
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