Mercyhurst Lakers vs Columbia Lions NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/16/24

Betting on today’s Lakers and Lions game? Catch the action at Levien Gymnasium in New York, NY, as the Lions hosts this showdown at 12:00 ET on ESPN+. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 146.5 points, and Columbia is favored by -11.5 vs. Mercyhurst.

MERCYHURST LAKERS VS COLUMBIA LIONS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Columbia Lions -11.5

This game will be played at Levien Gymnasium at 12:00 ET on Saturday, November 16th.

WHY BET THE COLUMBIA LIONS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 90-59 in favor of the Lions.
• Not only will Columbia pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -11.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 149 points.

Will the Lakers Exceed Expectations on the Road?

Mercyhurst Lakers Recent Game/Games

Mercyhurst picked up a 62-52 win over Canisius on Wednesday, November 13th, in a home game where they were +2 point underdogs. The Lakers not only secured the victory but also covered the spread.

Mercyhurst led 29-25 at halftime and outscored Canisius 33-27 in the second half. The game’s total points (114) fell well short of the O/U line of 140.5.

Mercyhurst struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 38% from the field and 26.1% from beyond the arc, with an effective field goal percentage of 44%. They managed 62 points, with 12 assists and 8 offensive rebounds, hitting 66.7% of their free throws.

Tana Kopa was a standout, hitting 5 of 8 threes and shooting 60% overall, finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Paul McMillan IV led the team with 20 points, while Bernie Blunt III added 16, despite shooting 30.8% from the field.

Mercyhurst’s defense held strong, allowing just 52 points on 38% shooting from the field. They limited their opponents to 13 made two-point shots on 27 attempts, a 48% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, Mercyhurst’s defense gave up 6 threes on 23 attempts, holding their opponents to 26% shooting. They also sent them to the line 18 times, where they made 12 free throws, shooting 66%.

Is A Home Victory Likely for Favored Columbia?

Columbia Lions Recent Game/Games

Columbia edged out a 76-75 win over Lehigh on Tuesday, November 12th. The Lions were at home and entered the game as -8.5 favorites.

Columbia led 40-37 at halftime and scored 36 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. The total points for the game were 151, which was under the O/U line of 157.5.

Keith Higgins Jr. was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 9 threes and finishing with 28 points on 10 of 15 shooting overall in Columbia’s win. Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa added 24 points, connecting on 4 of 8 from deep and grabbing 8 rebounds.

As a team, the Lions shot 36% from three, going 9 of 25, and finished with a 45.2% field goal percentage. They struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 52.4% of their attempts, but grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and dished out 17 assists.

Columbia’s defense gave up 75 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 45% from the field on 28 of 62 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 51% shooting, as the other team hit 19 of 37 two-point shots.

From three-point range, Columbia’s defense saw their opponents connect on 9 of 25 attempts, good for 36%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 21 times, where they made 11, shooting 52%. Columbia allowed 16 offensive rebounds in the game.