For the Harvard Crimson and the Cornell Big Red, getting into the Big Dance is just as hard as their school’s entrance exams. Well, maybe not, but you get the idea. The two teams will battle in the first of the two Ivy League semis games this Saturday with the winner getting a step closer towards booking a spot in the National Tournament. Read on for a preview of this hardcourt tussle. Register here to wager on this game.
Betting Preview for the Cornell Big Red vs Harvard Crimson College Basketball Game on March 10, 2018
Where: The Palestra
When: Saturday, March 10, 12:30PM EST
Line: Cornell Big Red () vs Harvard Crimson () – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Betting on the Cornell Big Red (12-15)
The Crimson Tide haven’t been to the Big Dance since 2015, but their chances of getting to the Finals of the Ivy League tournament is looking good as they will be up against a team they’ve beaten twice already this season in the semifinals. Harvard is 2-0 (1-1 ATS) this season against Cornell, and will be looking to make it three in a row this year versus the Big Red. Harvard relies on its tenacious defense that ranks 38th in the nation with just 67.0 points per game allowed. On the other end of the court, the Crimson is scoring only 68.2 points per contest, but up against Cornell’s pathetic defense, Harvard should be able to find plenty of opportunities to get buckets this Saturday. During their 76-73 road win on Feb. 3 against Cornell, the Crimson shot 47.2 percent from the field and hit 11 three-pointers. More recently, Harvard went 52.5 percent from the floor during a high-scoring 98-88 overtime home win against the Big Red.
Harvard is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games against Cornell going back to 2014.
Betting on the Harvard Crimson (17-12)
Like Harvard, Cornell has not been to the National Tournament for some time now. The last time they got there was in 2010, when they managed to upset Temple and Wisconsin in the first two rounds, respectively. For now, all the Big Red want is to upset Harvard in the semis of the Ivy League tournament this Saturday. If they are to do so, however, they will need to tighten up their defense. As mentioned earlier, Cornell owns a poor defense, one that surrenders 81.0 points per game, that even a low-scoring team like Harvard looked like the Houston Rockets the last time the two teams played each other. But if Cornell wants to just instead forget defense altogether and fight fire with fire with Crimson, it seems well-equipped to do just that. Cornell averages 76.0 points per game on 46.0 field goal shooting percentage plus it’s offense is an unselfish one, as evidenced by the Big Red’s 15.9 assists per game average. While not known for defense, Cornell also forced Harvard to commit 19 turnovers in the second meeting.
Cornell is 5-5 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Harvard wins, 79-70.
1,257 total views, 2 views today
