The Harvard Crimson (7-4) will travel to Burr Arena to take on the Howard Bison (2-10). The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Harvard Crimson vs. Howard Bison Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bison dismantled the Regent Royals 105-47, while the Crimson were victorious over the George Washington Colonials 88-75.
Harvard played a flawless game. They had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 7.8 (better than their season average of 18.3) and a free throw rate of 0.254 (above their season average of 0.231). For those same stats, George Washington was 11.9 and 0.169, respectively. The Bison, meanwhile, forced 29 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.620 (above their season average of 0.450). Charles Williams had a solid game for Howard with 24 points and eight rebounds. Harvard, meanwhile, was led by Chris Lewis, who contributed 22 points and six rebounds.
The Crimson won the only contest between these two teams last year, 84-71. Making free throws was one of Harvard’s biggest strengths. They were 22-24 (91.7 percent), while the Bison were just 13-22 (59.1 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Matchups featuring the Crimson have typically finished over the total (55.6 percent). Harvard has a respectable 7-4 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 4-5 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Bison also tend to finish over the O/U total (77.8 percent). Moreover, Howard owns records of 2-10 SU and 2-7 ATS.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this showdown. Howard has preferred a fast-paced style of play (48th in possessions per game), while Harvard has been slower-paced (180th in possessions per game).
Harvard Crimson at Howard Bison Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Harvard, ATS Winner – Howard, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Harvard ranks 72nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while Howard ranks 246th (39.3).
- The Crimson average 11.6 assists per game, which ranks 186th in the country. The Bison rank 214th in assists allowed per game (19.7).
- The Crimson average 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. The Bison rank 67th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Harvard averages 21.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 139th in the nation. Howard ranks 174th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
- Howard is 0-2 ATS at home, while Harvard is 1-4 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 1 of the Bison’s 2 home games, while 3 of the Crimson’s 5 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Crimson are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bison are 1-3.
- In their last five games, Harvard has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Howard has 3 overs and 1 under.
- The Crimson’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, down from 9.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (7.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
