The Harvard Crimson (11-7, 4-1 Ivy) will attempt to continue their five-game winning streak against the Cornell Big Red (11-10, 3-2 Ivy) at Lavietes Pavilion. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Cornell Big Red vs. Harvard Crimson Betting Prediction
In the Big Red’s last matchup, they covered the 2-point spread against the Dartmouth Big Green, 83-80. The combined points for the game (163) finished well over the projected point total of 134. The Big Red made 15 of their 16 free throws (93.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.8 (above their season average of 20.5). Cornell received a boost from Matt Morgan, who was the top scorer from either team with 41 points on 13-for-18 shooting.
The Crimson barely escaped the Columbia Lions in their last matchup, 98-96, but were not able to cover as 6.5-point favorites. The game’s combined points (194) came in well over the projected point total of 136. Getting to the free throw line was one of Harvard’s largest advantages. They had 39 free throw attempts, while Columbia had 24. Bryce Aiken was the top scorer from either team with 44 points on 12-for-28 shooting from the field.
After the Crimson won all three contests against the Big Red last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Harvard won 74-55. The Crimson had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 13.8) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 18.7).
Cornell heads into the contest with records of 11-10 straight up (SU) and 8-9-1 against the spread (ATS). Matchups including the Big Red have a tendency to go over the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Harvard owns records of 11-7 SU and 8-8 ATS. Games featuring the Crimson also have a tendency to go over the total (56.3 percent).
Getting to the line might be rare for Harvard in this meeting. The Crimson currently rank 246th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.214, while Cornell ranks 35th in FTA rate allowed (0.184). Also, the Big Red rank 347th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.9 percent), while the Crimson rank 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.1 percent).
Cornell at Harvard Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Harvard, ATS Winner – Cornell, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cornell is 6-5 ATS with 8 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Harvard is 3-3 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Harvard ranks 30th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Cornell ranks 239th (37.5).
The Crimson rank 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Big Red rank 121st (3.6).
Cornell ranks 32nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while Harvard ranks 99th (21.3).
The Big Red rank 25th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Crimson rank 84th (12.2).
Cornell averages 5.2 steals per game, which ranks 182nd in the nation. Harvard ranks 202nd in steals allowed per game (7.9).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five games, Cornell is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Harvard is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Big Red have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Cornell has lost by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Crimson have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (8.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
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