Princeton Tigers vs Yale Bulldogs Prediction – 3/15/2025

The Princeton Tigers and Yale Bulldogs are set to face off in the Ivy League Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center. This game features the top-seeded Yale Bulldogs (20-7) against the fourth-seeded Princeton Tigers (19-10), with both teams aiming for a spot in the championship game.

Princeton Tigers vs Yale Bulldogs Game Preview

Yale enters the game with a strong 20-7 record, having secured the top spot in the Ivy League. The Bulldogs are coming off a 70-61 victory over Brown, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the season. Offensively, Yale averages 82.2 points per game, ranking 22nd nationally. They are efficient shooters, hitting 49.1% from the field (12th nationally) and 38.5% from beyond the arc (14th nationally). Defensively, they allow 69.7 points per game, placing them 108th in the nation. Key players include John Poulakidas, who leads the team with 19.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, and Nick Townsend, contributing 15.4 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game.

Princeton holds a 19-10 record, finishing fourth in the Ivy League. The Tigers are coming off a commanding 95-71 win over Penn. Offensively, they average 74.2 points per game (166th nationally) and shoot 43.5% from the field (252nd nationally). From three-point range, they hit 35.8% (77th nationally). Defensively, they allow 72.5 points per game, ranking 206th nationally. Leading the team is Xaivian Lee, averaging 17 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Caden Pierce adds 11.3 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

• Spread: Yale -7.5
• Over/Under: 146.5 points
• Moneyline: Yale -352, Princeton +277

Yale has been dominant in recent matchups against Princeton, winning both regular-season games this year. They secured an 84-57 victory at home and a 77-70 win on the road, covering the spread in both instances. The Bulldogs have won 15 of their last 16 games against Ivy League opponents and have a 17-9 record against the spread this season. Princeton, on the other hand, has struggled against the spread, holding a 7-19-1 record. The total has gone under in seven of Princeton's last ten games, indicating a trend towards lower-scoring contests.

Princeton Tigers vs Yale Bulldogs Prediction

Considering Yale's superior offensive efficiency, strong defensive performance, and recent dominance over Princeton, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to secure a victory in this semifinal matchup. Their balanced scoring, led by Poulakidas and Townsend, combined with their ability to control the game's tempo, gives them a significant edge. While Princeton has shown resilience, their inconsistent performance against the spread and defensive vulnerabilities make it challenging to envision an upset. Therefore, the recommendation is to back Yale to cover the -7.5 spread, with the total points likely staying under 146.5, given both teams' recent trends.