Harvard Crimson vs Iona Gaels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/29/24

Looking to win big? The Crimson and Gaels face off at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. The Gaels are hosting the game at Hynes Athletics Center in New Rochelle, NY. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Iona as the -4.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 140.5 points.

HARVARD CRIMSON VS IONA GAELS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Iona Gaels -4.5

This game will be played at Hynes Athletics Center at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 29th.

WHY BET THE IONA GAELS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Gaels.
• Not only will Iona pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Can the Crimson Lock in a Road Win?

Harvard’s season continues to be a struggle, as their record dropped to 3-8 following a 77-63 home loss to Furman on Saturday. The Crimson entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 140, just over the O/U line of 139.5.

Harvard led 32-31 at halftime but couldn’t maintain their momentum, allowing 46 points in the 2nd half while scoring just 31.

Harvard’s offense managed just 63 points in their last game, shooting 37.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 44.8%. They hit 8 of 25 from beyond the arc, connecting at a 32% rate, while their free-throw shooting was stellar, going 11 for 12 (91.7%).

PJay Smith Jr. led the way with 25 points, hitting 5 of 7 from three-point range and finishing 8 of 11 overall. He also contributed 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Chandler Pigge added 16 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 54.5% from the field.

Even though Harvard’s defense held their opponent to 37% shooting from the field, they still gave up 77 points. The Crimson allowed 14 two-point field goals on 33 attempts, a 42% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Harvard’s defense saw their opponent hit 8 threes on 25 attempts, good for 32%. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 12 times, where they converted 11 shots, a 91% success rate.

Does Iona Stand a Chance at Home?

Iona Gaels Recent Game/Games

Iona improved to 4-8 on the season with a 79-73 win over Colgate on Sunday. The Gaels, who were +4 underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

Leading 36-32 at halftime, Iona scored 43 points in the 2nd half while allowing 41. The game’s total points of 152 went over the O/U line of 137.5.

Iona’s offense put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 49.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54%. They hit 58.5% of their two-point attempts, while connecting on 31.8% from beyond the arc, making 7 of 22 threes. At the free-throw line, the Gaels shot 62.5%, hitting 10 of 16 attempts.

Nicolas Louis-Jacques led the way with 27 points, shooting 61.1% overall and 4 of 11 from three. Dejour Reaves added 20 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 56.2% from the field and 40% from deep. Iona also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists in the win.

Iona’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 73 points on 53% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 57% of their two-point shots, going 16/28 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Iona’s defense allowed 10/21 shooting, a 47% clip. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 11 free throws (68%). Iona gave up 9 offensive rebounds.