The Yale Bulldogs (18-4, 8-1 Ivy) welcome the Harvard Crimson (13-9, 6-3 Ivy) to John J. Lee Amphitheater. The Bulldogs will attempt to extend their six-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Harvard Crimson vs. Yale Bulldogs Betting Odds
The Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Dartmouth Big Green in their last game, 77-59, despite being 5.5-point underdogs. The Crimson, meanwhile, were beat by the Brown Bears, 88-79, and were not able to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The Yale game finished 5.5 points under the projected point total of 141.5, while the Harvard game finished 29 points over the projected point total of 138.
The Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.558, had an extraordinary mark of 0.636 and held the Big Green to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 25.4). Harvard, meanwhile, held Brown to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.1 (below their season average of 25.7). Alex Copeland played well for Yale, contributing 23 points. Harvard was lifted by Noah Kirkwood, who finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
In their first matchup this season, Justin Bassey led the Crimson to a 65-49 victory. He recorded 13 points and seven rebounds. The two teams combined to score 114 points, which was well under the projected point total of 144.5, and Harvard covered as a 2-point favorite. Harvard had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.339). Yale, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (14.7 vs. 24.0).
Vegas tends to set the total low when the Crimson are playing, as 60.0 percent of their games have gone over the total. Harvard comes into the game with records of 13-9 straight up (SU) and 10-10 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Harvard, games including the Bulldogs have typically finished under the total (55.0 percent). Further, Yale is 18-4 SU and 12-8 ATS.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this showdown. Yale has preferred to play up-tempo (31st in possessions per game), while Harvard has been slower-paced (175th in possessions per game). Additionally, the upper-echelon offense of the Crimson ranks 29th in effective field goal percentage (0.551), while the Bulldogs are 16th-best in the country at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.456).
Harvard vs. Yale Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Yale, ATS Winner – Harvard, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Yale ranks 10th in assists per game (17.3) while Harvard ranks 190th (12.6).
- The Crimson rank 35th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Bulldogs rank 91st (3.2).
- Yale ranks 157th in steals per game (5.8) while Harvard ranks 200th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
- The Bulldogs rank 14th in rebounds per game (40.4) while the Crimson rank 133rd (36.0).
- Harvard averages 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 125th in the NCAA. Yale ranks 218th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
- Yale is 6-1 ATS at home, while Harvard is 7-5 ATS on the road.
- Of the Crimson’s 12 road games, they have 8 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
- Of the Bulldogs’ 7 home games, they have 4 unders and 3 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Crimson are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Yale has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Harvard has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 8.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Crimson have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (10.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (11.4 above their season average).
