Penn Quakers vs Columbia Lions Picks and Predictions January 30th 2026

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Penn Quakers vs Columbia Lions Betting Preview

The Penn Quakers travel to New York to face the Columbia Lions in an Ivy League matchup at Levien Gymnasium. Penn enters with a 9-9 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Yale, while Columbia aims to defend its strong 8-1 home record after a win over Dartmouth. With the Lions favored by 5.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Penn’s perimeter shooting and Columbia’s rebounding dominance.

Line Movement and Odds

Columbia enters as the favorite, but Penn’s three-point shooting makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Penn Spread: +5.5 (-113)
  • Columbia Spread: -5.5 (-111)
  • Penn MoneyLine: +185
  • Columbia MoneyLine: -237
  • Total: 153.5 (-110)

For live updates on spreads, totals, and moneylines, follow the College Basketball Odds feed, which refreshes throughout the day.

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Matchup Breakdown

Penn Outlook

The Quakers average 76.9 points per game, with Ethan Roberts, AJ Levine, and TJ Power leading the offense. Roberts’ 19.5 points per game highlight his consistency, while Levine’s 17 points and seven assists vs Yale showcased his playmaking. Penn’s efficiency (9-9 overall record; 38.4% three-point shooting, 33rd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep makes them dangerous as underdogs.

Columbia Outlook

The Lions average 80.5 points per game, with Kenny Noland, Caden Pierce, and Liam Murphy driving production. Noland’s 29 points and 10 rebounds vs Dartmouth highlighted his dominance, while Pierce’s rebounding adds balance. Columbia’s efficiency (13-6 overall record; 8-1 at home; 55.2% effective FG; 41.6 rebounds per game, 25th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and dominate the boards makes them tough to beat in New York.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and rebounding. Penn thrives on Roberts’ scoring and Power’s versatility, while Columbia must rely on Noland’s hot hand and Pierce’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Penn: The Quakers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Friday’s contest.

Columbia: The Lions are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

Levien Gymnasium has been a fortress for Columbia, where they’ve gone 8-1 this season. Penn, however, has shown resilience with notable road wins, making this a clash of home dominance versus visiting urgency.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Columbia 82, Penn 74

  • Columbia -5.5 → Best Bet. Their rebounding and shooting efficiency suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Under 153.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Columbia’s depth and rebounding should carry them to victory, while Penn’s perimeter attack keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Ivy League contests often highlight perimeter shooting and rebounding mismatches. Our Best Handicappers spotlight analysts who specialize in conference play, while the Leaderboard shows who’s delivering consistent returns. For Penn vs Columbia, expert insights in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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