The Cornell Big Red (5-3) will be at home in Newman Arena at Bartels Hall when they clash against the Niagara Purple Eagles (6-6). Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017.
Niagara Purple Eagles at Cornell Big Red Free Preview
In the Purple Eagles last matchup, they barely escaped the Cleveland State Vikings, 79-77. With 14 points and 13 rebounds, Matt Scott put together a solid performance for Niagara. The Purple Eagles knocked down 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8 (above their season average of 30.1).
The Big Red come in on a high note after defeating the Lafayette Leopards in their last contest, 80-71. With 26 points on 11-for-19 shooting, Matt Morgan was the top scorer from either team. Cornell played a perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 16.4) and a free throw rate of 0.194 (matching their season average). Lafayette recorded marks of 16.5 and 0.150, respectively, for those same stats.
Niagara could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NCAA. The Purple Eagles rank 56th in offensive efficiency while Cornell ranks 298th in defensive efficiency since last season.
Niagara Purple Eagles at Cornell Big Red ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Cornell, ATS Winner – Cornell, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Big Red average 34.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 196th in the nation. The Purple Eagles rank 220th in rebounds allowed per game (38.4).
- Niagara ranks 77th in blocks per game (4.4) while Cornell ranks 99th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Niagara ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Cornell ranks 153rd (7.3).
- The Big Red rank 101st in assists per game (14.8) while the Purple Eagles rank 227th in assists allowed per game (15.9).
- Niagara averages 21.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. Cornell ranks 126th in three pointers allowed per game (21.7).
