The Northeastern Huskies (2-4) will be at home in Matthews Arena when they clash against the Harvard Crimson (3-4). Northeastern opened as a 1-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 139.5 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 30, 2017.
Harvard Crimson at Northeastern Huskies Free Preview
In the Crimson’s last outing, they fell to the Cal State Fullerton Titans, 70-61. Harvard’s Corey Johnson contributed 11 points in the contest. Cal State Fullerton did a fantastic job of making free throws (23-30; 76.7 percent). Harvard, meanwhile, forced the Titans into a turnover percentage of 25.6 (above their season average of 19.0).
The Huskies are hoping for a better outcome after their 78-67 loss to the Furman Paladins in their last outing. Vasa Pusica was Northeastern’s high scorer with 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Furman had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 32.3). Northeastern, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.189 vs. 0.159).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Northeastern ranks 285th in possessions per game (67.5) and Harvard is 264th (68.1) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Both of these teams have typically finished under the projected point total. Harvard games have finished under 60.0 percent of the time, while 75.0 percent of games featuring Northeastern have finished under. The Crimson hold a clear advantage in both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 3-4 SU and 1-4 ATS, while the Huskies are 2-4 SU and 0-4 ATS.
The Crimson won the lone game against the Huskies last season, 86-80. Harvard’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Northeastern. The Crimson had a rate of 0.610 while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.459.
Harvard Crimson vs. Northeastern Huskies Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northeastern, ATS Winner – Northeastern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Crimson rank 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while the Huskies rank 101st (20.2).
- Harvard ranks 122nd in assists per game (14.2) while Northeastern ranks 168th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Harvard ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Northeastern ranks 127th (3.3).
- The Crimson rank 199th in rebounds per game (35.3) while the Huskies rank 273rd (33.6).
- Harvard ranks 157th in steals per game (6.2) while Northeastern ranks 228th (5.4).
