Siena Saints vs Cornell Big Red NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/30/24

Betting on today’s Saints and Big Red game? Catch the action at Newman Arena in Ithaca, NY, as the Big Red hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Cornell as the -12.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 147.5 points.

SIENA SAINTS VS CORNELL BIG RED BETTING PICK

The Pick: Siena Saints +12.5

This game will be played at Newman Arena at 4:00 ET on Monday, December 30th.

WHY BET THE SIENA SAINTS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Big Red.
• Even though we have Cornell winning straight-up, we like Siena at +12.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Will the Saints Find a Way to Win on the Road?

Siena Saints Recent Game

Siena dropped to 5-7 on the season after a 78-70 home loss to Holy Cross on Friday, December 20th. The Saints, who were -5.5 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 27-23 at halftime, Siena scored 47 points in the 2nd half but allowed 51 points. The total points for the game reached 148, surpassing the over/under line of 131.5.

Siena’s offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 57.5% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, connecting on just 26.7% of their threes (4/15).

Joe Nugent led the way with 20 points, shooting 60% overall and 66.7% from three. Marcus Jackson and Justice Shoats each added 17 points, with Shoats hitting 66.7% from deep and Jackson shooting 75% overall.

Siena’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 49% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 57% shooting on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, Siena’s defense held their opponent to 26% shooting, as they made just 4 of 15 three-point attempts. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 12 free throws.

Does Cornell Have What it Takes at Home?

Cornell Big Red Recent Game/Games

Cornell dropped to 6-4 on the season after a narrow 80-77 home loss to Illinois State on Sunday. The Big Red, favored by six points, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended just under the 157.5-point over/under line.

Cornell led 45-43 at halftime but managed only 32 points in the second half while allowing 37. This second-half performance was a key factor in the loss.

Cornell’s offense put up 77 points in their last game, shooting 52.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.5%. They were dominant inside, hitting 78.6% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 24% of their threes (6/25). At the free-throw line, they were efficient, making 15 of 17 attempts (88.2%).

Nazir Williams and AK Okereke both scored 19 points, with Williams adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Jack Daugherty contributed 16 points, hitting 4 of 7 threes, while Landon Wolf and Guy Ragland Jr. were perfect from deep, with Wolf going 3 for 3 and Ragland 2 for 2.

Despite Cornell’s defensive struggles, they still managed to put up 80 points in their latest game. The Big Red shot 52% from the field, connecting on 28 of their 53 attempts.

Most of their damage came inside, where they hit 22 of 28 two-point shots, a 78% success rate. From beyond the arc, they went 6/25 for 24%. At the free-throw line, Cornell shot 88%, making 15 of 17 attempts.