The Harvard Crimson (13-4, 2-0 Ivy) look to continue their eight-game winning streak against the Penn Quakers (8-7, 0-2 Ivy) at Palestra. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, January 31, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
Harvard Crimson vs. Penn Quakers ATS Prediction
The Crimson will be hoping for similar success after topping the Dartmouth Big Green in their last matchup, 70-66. Harvard’s 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Dartmouth, who had a rate of 24.4. The Crimson’s mark was above their season average of 30.1. Chris Lewis played a key role for Harvard with 13 points and nine rebounds.
In the Quakers’ last game, they beat the Temple Owls, 66-59. Penn’s 0.510 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Temple, who had a rate of 0.313. The Quakers’ mark was below their season average of 0.532, while the Owls’ was below their season average of 0.471. AJ Brodeur led Penn in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Crimson won all three matchups against the Quakers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Harvard won 66-58. The Crimson knocked down 15 of their 19 free throws (78.9 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.4 vs. 18.8).
It will be a matchup of conflicting tempos as the fast-breaking Quakers will look to push the more methodical Crimson. The Quakers currently rank 43rd in possessions per game while the Crimson are 164th.
Harvard vs. Penn Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Harvard, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Harvard ranks 65th in rebounds allowed per game (32.9) while Penn ranks 239th (38.0).
The Quakers rank 33rd in assists per game (15.5) while the Crimson rank 195th (12.1).
Penn ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while Harvard ranks 159th (21.5).
The Crimson rank 90th in steals per game (7.0) while the Quakers rank 182nd in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Harvard ranks 17th in blocks per game (5.4) while Penn ranks 100th (3.4).
The Crimson’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Quakers have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (3.8 below their season average).
