Columbia vs Harvard | Predictions

NCAA Basketball Free Pick – Friday, January 28, 2011

vs.

Columbia (11-5, 2-0 Ivy) at Harvard (13-3, 2-0 Ivy)
Friday, January 28, 2011  at 7:00 PM EST

Money Line: Columbia -110 – Harvard -110
Spread: Harvard -10 ½
Over/Under: OFF

Harvard will look to extend its season-best six-game win streak during Friday evening’s Ivy League contest against a Columbia team that will attempt to overcome their 0-1 record against top 50 teams.

Both schools are fighting for early positioning in the Ivy League. The Crimson stands 13-3 overall and are 2-0 in the Ancient Eight, while the Lions are also undefeated in conference play (2-0) and are 11-5 overall.

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Friday’s game marks the 165th meeting between Harvard and Columbia, with the Lions owning a 93-71 advantage in the series that started back in 1900-01. The Crimson has taken the last three games against the Lions, including a sweep last season, winning by an average margin of 24 points. Over four years, Columbia has gone 5-3 against Harvard, and 2-2 at Lavietes Pavilion

After trailing 40-28 with just over 15 minutes to play, the Crimson went on a 23-2 run en route to a 59-50 Ivy League victory last weekend over Dartmouth. Four Crimson players scored in double figures: Laurent Rivard (13), Keith Wright (12), Brandyn Curry (12), and Oliver McNally (12). McNally converted 9-of-10 free throws, including all eight in the second half, as Harvard improved to 2-0 in conference play for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, Columbia extended its streak to four games with a 70-66 victory at Cornell its last time out.  Brian Barbour connected on 7-of-13 shots from the field and was 8-of-9 from the foul line to lead the Lions with 23 points. Meiko Lyles added 10 points, while Mark Cisco led Columbia with seven rebounds.

The Crimson is stronger than the Lions when it comes to possession management. They also have the advantage in personal fouls, and assists while the Lions on the other hand do a better job rebounding.

Look for Harvard to edge out the win in this one.

Free Pick: Harvard

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Columbia Lions Betting Trends:

• Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
• Columbia is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
• Columbia 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
• Columbia is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games, on the road

Harvard Crimson Betting Trends:

• Harvard 6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games
• Harvard is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
• Harvard 11-0-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
• Harvard is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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