The Harvard Crimson (15-9, 8-3 Ivy) wrap up their home schedule at Lavietes Pavilion against the Princeton Tigers (16-8, 8-3 Ivy). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Princeton Tigers vs. Harvard Crimson ATS Odds
The last time the Tigers played, they won a close one over the Dartmouth Big Green, 77-76, despite being 6.5-point underdogs. The Crimson, on the other hand, topped the Penn Quakers,59-53, resulting in a push. The Princeton game went 20.5 points over the projected point total of 132.5, while the Harvard game went 30.5 points under the projected point total of 142.5.
Making free throws was one of Princeton’s biggest advantages. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Big Green were 11-15 (73.3 percent). The Crimson, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.208 vs. 0.103) and held the Quakers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.405 (below their season average of 0.539). Harvard rallied around Noah Kirkwood, who contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Schwieger led the way for Princeton, finishing with 26 points.
In their first matchup this year, Bryce Aiken led the Crimson to a 78-69 victory. He scored a game-high 33 points. Harvard covered as a 1-point underdog and the two teams combined to put up 147 points, which was well over the projected point total of 131.5. Harvard’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Princeton. The Crimson had a rate of 0.286, while the Tigers posted a mark of 0.236.
Of the Tigers’ 21 games that accepted bets, 12 have finished under the total. Princeton heads into the contest with records of 16-8 straight up (SU) and 10-10-1 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Princeton, Crimson games tend to finish over the total (63.6 percent). Moreover, Harvard owns records of 15-9 SU and 11-11 ATS.
The offense of Harvard will clash against the stingy defense of Princeton. The Crimson rank 225th in offensive efficiency, while the Tigers are 84th in defensive efficiency. The Tigers figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Princeton Tigers vs. Harvard Crimson Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Princeton, ATS Winner – Princeton, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Harvard ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Princeton ranks 201st (36.1).
- The Tigers rank 141st in steals per game (6.2) while the Crimson rank 208th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Princeton averages 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 86th in the nation. Harvard ranks 122nd in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
- The Crimson rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Tigers rank 172nd (4.1).
- Princeton ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while Harvard ranks 110th (12.6).
- Princeton is 6-6-1 ATS on the road, while Harvard is 3-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Tigers’ 13 road games, while 4 of the Crimson’s 8 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Princeton and Harvard have both had 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Crimson are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Tigers are 2-3.
- During their last five games, the Crimson have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (7.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 1.5 for the season.
