CBB Predictions: Columbia Lions vs. Cornell Big Red ATS Pick

Columbia Lions (9-4 SU, 5-5 ATS) vs. Cornell Big Red (10-3 SU, 5-7 ATS)

When: Tuesday, January 9th, 6:00 PM (ET)

Where: Newman Arena, NY, Ithaca

TV: ESPN+

Point Spread: COLMB +12/CORNEL -12

Total: 163.5

Money Line: Columbia Lions +530/-781

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Notable Injuries

Lions

Big Red

Recent Form

So far this season, Columbia has been much better at home than on the road. The Lions are 4-1 at home, compared to just 2-3 on the road. In their last game, they lost to Fordham, 87-78.

Overall, Columbia is 9-4, and they have gone 9-4 in non-conference games. Their average scoring margin on the road this season is -5.6 points per game. So far, they have been the underdog in five games, going 2-3.

So far this season, the over/under record for Columbia games is 5-4-1. The average over/under line in their games is 147.4, and their games have an average of 148.3 points. Today’s over/under line of 163.5 is higher than the average over/under line in their games this year and 10 of their games have had a lower over/under line than today’s line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-0, and the average scoring total in those games is 169 points.

As the underdog, Columbia has gone 2-3 vs. the spread this season and is 4-6 in their last ten games as the underdog. On the road, the Lions are 2-3 vs. the spread this year and have a 4-6 ATS mark in their last ten road games.

After falling to Baylor 98-79 in their last game, Cornell will look to bounce back as they host Columbia. This season, the Big Red have gone 10-3 overall, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home.

For the year, Cornell has been favored in eight of their 13 games, and they have gone a perfect 8-0 in those contests. Over their last ten games at home, the Big Red have gone 8-2.

So far this season, the over/under record for Cornell games is 8-4. Currently, the average over/under line in their games is 156.2, and today’s line of 163.5 is higher than the average scoring total in their games (160). Over their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1, with an average scoring total of 164 points.

As the favorite this season, Cornell is 4-4 vs. the spread. Over their last ten games as the favorite, the Big Red have gone 4-6 vs. the spread. At home this year, Cornell is 2-1 vs. the spread, and over their last ten games at home, they have gone 4-5 vs. the spread.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Cornell has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Columbia. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +14 points per game in favor of the Big Red. The over-under record in these same games is 2-3, with the teams combining for an average of 152 points per game.

Analysis

The Lions’ offense finished with 78 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 81.8 points per contest. On the offensive front, the Lions have a season-long field goal percentage of 47%, ranking 80th nationally. When it comes to three-point shooting, they are ranked 60th in terms of percentage and 77th in three-pointers made.

At present, the Lions’ defense is nationally ranked 93rd, allowing 67.6 points per game. In today’s game vs. Cornell, the Columbia defense will be looking to do a better job avoiding putting opponents on the line. In their last game, Columbia made 20 free throws vs. the Lions.

Cornell’s offense had a good outing, putting up 79 points against Baylor. They achieved a 49.2% field goal percentage and went 11/17 from the free-throw line. For the season, the Cornell offense has been one of the more efficient shooting teams in the NCAA, with a field goal percentage of 50%. So far, they have hit 64% of their looks from inside the arc, and are averaging 9.3 made threes per contest.

As they prepare for the upcoming game, Cornell is focused on shoring up their defense, as they are currently allowing an average of 78.3 points per game (283rd). In their previous game vs. Baylor, the Bears finished with a field goal percentage of 55% and a total of 98 points vs. Cornell.

Betting Trends

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, Columbia has an ATS record of 4-6 while averaging 71 per game. The team went 2-8 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past three home matchups, Cornell has an ATS record of 1-2 while averaging 88 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Columbia has an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 3-7 straight up.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Big Red have a strong straight up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Rich Crew ATS Prediction

In two matches last season, Cornell won by 14 at home and 17 on the road, so at first glance the -12 line may seem justified to many. That’s not the side I’m playing. Columbia is one of the most experienced teams in the nation and have a balanced scoring attack that has three players who average double digits. The Big Red has struggled defensively this season ranking 285th in FG% and 201st in 3-point%. The Lions have had a pretty easy schedule but only lost one game by double digits and that was their season opener on the road versus a solid Providence squad. Take Columbia +12.