Cornell Big Red vs Yale Bulldogs Pick – 3/16/2025

The Cornell Big Red and the Yale Bulldogs are set to face off in the Ivy League Championship on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, Rhode Island. This highly anticipated game will determine the conference champion and promises to be an exciting contest for fans and bettors alike.

Cornell Big Red vs Yale Bulldogs Game Preview

The Yale Bulldogs enter the championship with a 21-7 record, having secured the top spot in the Ivy League. They are coming off a narrow 59-57 victory over Princeton in the conference semifinals. Yale's offense averages 81.4 points per game, ranking 21st nationally, while their defense allows 69.2 points per game. The Bulldogs are efficient shooters, hitting 49% from the field (12th nationally) and 38% from three-point range (15th nationally). Key players include John Poulakidas, who leads the team with 13 points and 4 rebounds per game, and Nick Townsend, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds per game.

The Cornell Big Red hold an 18-10 record, finishing second in the Ivy League. They advanced to the championship after an 87-81 win over Dartmouth in the semifinals. Cornell boasts a high-powered offense, averaging 85.1 points per game, the 6th-best in the nation. However, their defense allows 77.1 points per game. The Big Red are proficient shooters, with a 49.9% field goal percentage (4th nationally) and 37.5% from beyond the arc (30th nationally). Standout players include AK Okereke, who averages 25 points, 4 assists, and 9 rebounds per game, and Jake Fiegen, adding 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest updates, Yale is favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under set at 159.5 points. The betting consensus shows a slight lean towards Cornell covering the spread, with 53% backing the Big Red and 47% supporting the Bulldogs. The over/under betting is evenly split, indicating uncertainty about the total points scored.

In their two regular-season meetings, Yale emerged victorious both times. On February 21, 2025, Yale defeated Cornell 92-88, with Nick Townsend scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Earlier in the season, Yale secured a 103-88 win over Cornell. These high-scoring games suggest a trend towards the over in total points.

Cornell Big Red vs Yale Bulldogs Prediction

Considering the teams' performances and recent matchups, this championship game is expected to be closely contested. Yale's balanced offense and defense provide a solid foundation, while Cornell's explosive scoring ability makes them a formidable opponent. Given the previous high-scoring encounters and both teams' offensive capabilities, betting on the over 159.5 points appears favorable. Additionally, with the spread set at 5.5 points and Cornell's recent form, including a five-game winning streak, taking Cornell to cover the spread could be a prudent choice. However, Yale's consistent performance throughout the season and their previous victories over Cornell suggest they may have the edge in securing the championship title.

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