The Columbia Lions (3-10) will try to put an end to a six-game road losing streak when they square off against the Princeton Tigers (7-8, 0-1 Ivy) at L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145 points with Princeton set as a 10.5-point favorite. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12, 2018.
Columbia Lions vs. Princeton Tigers Odds Preview
The Lions had no trouble getting past the Sarah Lawrence Gryphons in their last outing, 87-42. With 16 points and nine rebounds, Kyle Castlin put together a solid game for Columbia. Columbia played a flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 39.6 (above their season average of 22.7) and a turnover percentage of 7.6 (better than their season average of 16.9). Sarah Lawrence recorded marks of 11.6 and 20.5, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Tigers last game, they were blown out by the Penn Quakers, 76-70. Devin Cannady led Princeton in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Penn’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Princeton. The Quakers had a rate of 24.1 (below their season average of 25.6), while the Tigers posted a mark of 19.4.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Princeton should have a noteworthy edge. The sharp-shooting Tigers offense ranks 56th in the nation in that metric at 0.550, while the Columbia defense is ranked 230th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.509). Moreover, the Lions, who rank 255th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), could struggle to get second chance points against the Tigers, who rank 56th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.7 percent).
Amir Bell has been impressive over the last five games for Princeton, averaging 12.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Tigers won both contests played against each other last season. In the last game, Princeton won 64-45. The Tigers dominated every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.500. The Lions were 22.2 and 0.363, respectively, for those same stats.
Columbia Lions at Princeton Tigers Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Princeton, ATS Winner – Princeton, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Tigers rank 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Lions rank 78th (6.5).
- Princeton ranks 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Columbia ranks 75th (2.5).
- Princeton ranks 44th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Columbia ranks 238th (25.5).
- The Tigers rank 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while the Lions rank 219th (39.5).
- Princeton ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.6) while Columbia ranks 184th (13.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Tigers have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Princeton has been defeated by an average of 0.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (7.6 below their season average).
