The Columbia Lions (10-17, 5-8 Ivy) welcome the Harvard Crimson (16-10, 9-4 Ivy) to Francis S. Levien Gymnasium as the regular season comes to a close. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Harvard Crimson at Columbia Lions Betting Odds
Neither team was able to cover in their last outing. The Lions (12.5-point favorites) beat the Dartmouth Big Green, 70-66, while the Crimson (6.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Cornell Big Red, 72-59. The Columbia game went 11.5 points under the projected point total of 147.5, while the Harvard game finished 2 points under the projected point total of 133.
Columbia’s 0.625 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Dartmouth, who had a mark of 0.422. The Lions’ mark was above their season average of 0.518, while the Big Green’s was below their season average of 0.537. Harvard, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.0 (above their season average of 27.3). Patrick Tape put together a good performance for Columbia with 19 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Harvard was lifted by Noah Kirkwood, who contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Bryce Aiken led the Crimson to a 98-96 win. He scored a game-high 44 points. Harvard was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite and the two teams combined for 194 points, which was well over the projected point total of 130.5. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Harvard’s largest advantages. They made 39 trips to the line, while Columbia went 24 times.
Vegas is known to place the total low when the Crimson are playing, as 58.3 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total. Harvard comes into the contest with records of 16-10 straight up (SU) and 13-11 against the spread (ATS).
Much like Harvard, games featuring the Lions also have a tendency to finish over the total (58.3 percent). Additionally, Columbia is 10-17 SU and 12-11-1 ATS.
It could be a tough matchup for Columbia on the offensive glass. The Lions are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 271st in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.7 percent. Meanwhile, Harvard ranks 12th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.9 percent.
Harvard Crimson at Columbia Lions Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Harvard, ATS Winner – Harvard, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Columbia ranks 23rd in assists per game (16.0) while Harvard ranks 195th (12.4).
- The Crimson average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 126th in the country. The Lions rank 180th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
- Harvard ranks 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Columbia ranks 96th (3.2).
- The Lions average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 35th in the NCAA. The Crimson rank 196th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
- Harvard ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Columbia ranks 175th (35.5).
- Harvard is 8-6 ATS on the road, while Columbia is 3-4-1 ATS at home.
- Of the Crimson’s 14 road games, they have 10 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
- The Lions have 4 overs and 4 unders in 8 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Crimson are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Lions are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Harvard has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Columbia has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Crimson have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
- The Lions have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Columbia has defeated opponents by an average of 0.3 points.
