The Harvard Crimson (17-12, 12-2 Ivy) and the Cornell Big Red (12-15, 6-8 Ivy) go head-to-head in the Ivy League Conference Tourney at Palestra. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Cornell Big Red vs. Harvard Crimson Free Preview
In the Big Red’s last outing, they beat the Dartmouth Big Green, 86-75. With 10 points, six rebounds and five assists, Cornell’s Stone Gettings had a good performance. The Big Red made 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.724 (above their season average of 0.523).
The Crimson will look to maintain momentum after dismantling the Columbia Lions in their last matchup, 93-74. Harvard was lifted by Seth Towns, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Crimson had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 (above their season average of 25.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.771 (above their season average of 0.493).
Harvard may have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this contest. The Crimson rank 231st in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.225, while Cornell ranks 84th in FTA rate allowed (0.209). This game should be a matchup of contrasting styles. The fast-paced Big Red rank 55th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Crimson rank 254th.
These two teams have already met twice this year, with the Crimson winning both. Chris Lewis put up 29 points and seven rebounds in the most recent matchup, in which the Crimson defeated the Big Red 98-88. The Crimson played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.627 and an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.407. For those same stats, the Big Red had marks of 0.458 and 0.324, respectively.
Cornell Big Red vs. Harvard Crimson Odds Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Cornell, ATS Winner – Cornell, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Crimson rank 115th in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while the Big Red rank 233rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
- Harvard ranks 58th in rebounds allowed per game (32.7) while Cornell ranks 241st (37.2).
- The Big Red rank 29th in assists per game (16.2) while the Crimson rank 178th (13.0).
- Harvard ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Cornell ranks 146th (3.7).
Betting Trends:
- The Crimson’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 1.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Big Red have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 80.4 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
