Princeton Tigers vs Harvard Crimson NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/11/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Tigers versus the Crimson? Tip off is at at 2:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge, MA. Princeton is favored by -5 in this Ivy League conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 143.5 points.
PRINCETON TIGERS VS HARVARD CRIMSON BETTING PICK
The Pick: Harvard Crimson +5
This game will be played at Lavietes Pavilion at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 11th.
WHY BET THE HARVARD CRIMSON:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Crimson.
- Not only will Harvard pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 143.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Tigers Live Up to Expectations on the Road?
Princeton Tigers Recent Game/Games
Princeton improved to 9-4 on the season with a narrow 76-75 win over Akron on Monday. The Tigers, who were -6.5 point favorites at home, didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 151 fell just short of the 154.5 O/U line.
Princeton trailed 41-30 at halftime but turned things around in the second half, outscoring Akron 46-34 to secure the win.
Princeton put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 49.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.2%. They hit 56.4% of their two-point attempts (22/39) and 35% from beyond the arc (7/20), while struggling at the free-throw line, connecting on just 61.1% (11/18).
Xavien Lee led the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 52.9% overall. Dalen Davis added 18 points and 6 assists, despite shooting just 29.4% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range. James Okonkwo contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes.
Princeton’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 75 points on 49% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 56% of their two-point attempts, with 22 makes on 39 shots.
From beyond the arc, Princeton’s defense conceded 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 11 free throws, shooting 61%. Princeton limited offensive rebounds, allowing just 5.
Will the Crimson Win at Home?
Harvard Crimson Recent Game/Games
Harvard improved to 4-8 on the season with a 67-61 road win over Iona on Sunday. The Crimson entered the game as +5.5 underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
After a 26-26 tie at halftime, Harvard outscored Iona 41-35 in the second half. The total points for the game (128) fell short of the 139.5 O/U line.
Harvard put up 67 points in their last game, shooting 45.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%. They hit 36.8% from beyond the arc, going 7-for-19, and were strong at the free-throw line, connecting on 83.3% of their attempts (20-for-24).
Dejour Reaves led the way with 22 points, while Thomas Batties II and Austin Hunt each added 16. Tey Barbour contributed 14 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep, and Chandler Pigge chipped in 12 points, shooting 62.5% overall and 50% from three.
Harvard’s defense held their opponent to just 61 points on 34% shooting from the field. The Crimson limited their opponent’s two-point shooting to 40% (20/49).
From beyond the arc, Harvard’s defense was even more effective, allowing just 3 three-pointers on 18 attempts (16%). The opponent did manage to hit 85% of their free throws, going 12/14. Harvard also gave up 18 offensive rebounds.