Harvard Crimson vs Yale Bulldogs Picks and Predictions January 31st 2026

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Harvard Crimson vs Yale Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Harvard Crimson head to New Haven to face the Yale Bulldogs in an Ivy League showdown at the John J. Lee Amphitheater. Harvard enters with an 11-9 record and confidence from a win over Brown, while Yale looks to extend its 16-3 season and 10-1 home mark after beating Dartmouth. With the Bulldogs favored by 12.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Harvard’s shooting accuracy and Yale’s offensive efficiency.

Line Movement and Odds

Yale is favored, but Harvard’s shooting percentages make this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Harvard Spread: +12.5 (-110)
  • Yale Spread: -12.5 (-110)
  • Harvard MoneyLine: +680
  • Yale MoneyLine: -1100
  • Total: 142.5 (-110)

Check the college basketball odds tracker for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Yale’s scoring pace against Harvard’s ability to keep games close.

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Matchup Breakdown

Harvard Outlook

The Crimson average 72.8 points per game, with Robert Hinton, Tey Barbour, and Malik Mack leading the offense. Hinton’s 22 points vs Brown highlighted his scoring, while Barbour’s 20 points showcased his consistency. Harvard’s efficiency (11-9 overall record; 47% FG shooting, 90th nationally; 79% FT shooting, 28th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot efficiently and capitalize at the line makes them dangerous even as underdogs.

Yale Outlook

The Bulldogs average 84.7 points per game, with Nick Townsend, Isaac Celiscar, and Matt Knowling driving production. Townsend’s 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists vs Dartmouth highlighted his versatility, while Celiscar’s 17 points showcased his balance. Yale’s efficiency (16-3 overall record; 10-1 at home; 50.2% FG shooting, 17th nationally; 41.3% three-point shooting, 13th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and defend at home makes them one of the toughest teams in the Ivy League.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on pace and perimeter shooting. Harvard thrives on Hinton’s scoring and Barbour’s consistency, while Yale must rely on Townsend’s inside presence and Celiscar’s perimeter attack to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Harvard: The Crimson report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.

Yale: The Bulldogs are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

The John J. Lee Amphitheater has been a fortress for Yale, where they’ve gone 10-1 this season. Harvard, however, has shown resilience with five road wins, making this a clash of Bulldogs’ home dominance versus Crimson’s attempt to break through on the road.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Yale 80, Harvard 70

  • Harvard +12.5 → Best Bet. Their shooting accuracy and free-throw efficiency suggest they can keep the game close.
  • Under 142.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower tempo points toward a combined score below the line.

Yale’s depth and shooting should carry them to victory, while Harvard’s offensive efficiency 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 games often spotlight pace control and perimeter battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference tempo trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Harvard vs Yale, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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