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Ivy League Friday heats up as the Cornell Big Red travel to the historic Jadwin Gymnasium to take on the Princeton Tigers. This 7:00 PM ET tip-off, airing on ESPN+, features two teams deadlocked in the middle of the Ivy standings, both sporting 4-4 conference records. While Cornell dominated the first meeting this season with a convincing 87-64 win in Ithaca, the scene shifts to a venue where Princeton has historically thrived.
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Cornell enters as a 2.5-point road favorite, backed by an offense that ranks among the most explosive in the country. However, Princeton’s 7-3 home record suggests they are a completely different animal in their own building compared to their struggles on the road. With a high total of 156.5, bettors are anticipating a clash between Cornell’s rapid-fire scoring and Princeton’s disciplined home-court execution.
Cornell vs Princeton Odds
Rivalry games in the Ivy League can see sharp movement as tip-off approaches. Be sure to consult the latest college basketball odds for any last-minute shifts.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Cornell | -148 | -2.5 (-116) | O 156.5 (-110) |
| Princeton | +117 | +2.5 (-109) | U 156.5 (-110) |
Cornell Betting Form
The Big Red (11-10) are an offensive juggernaut, ranking 3rd in the nation in scoring at 91.1 points per game. Their philosophy is simple: shoot often and shoot from deep. Cornell leads the country in three-pointers made per game (13.4), spearheaded by Cooper Noard (19.4 PPG) and Jake Fiegen (16.7 PPG). They are coming off an 88-67 demolition of Columbia, where Josh Baldwin stepped up with a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds.
While their offense is elite, Cornell’s defense can be a liability, as they allow 85.1 points per game (358th in NCAA). They win by out-running and out-shooting opponents. To see if their defensive metrics have improved lately, check out the Cornell stats and results page. Additionally, monitor the Cornell injury report, as maintaining their high-speed rotation is crucial for their success on the road.
Princeton Betting Form
Princeton (8-15) has had a rollercoaster season, but their home-court advantage at Jadwin Gymnasium is undeniable. Despite an overall losing record, they have won four straight at home. The Tigers rely on Jackson Hicke (15.1 PPG) and the interior presence of Malik Abdullahi, who recently posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double against Penn.
The Tigers play at a much more methodical pace than Cornell, focusing on high-percentage looks and limiting turnovers (10.1 per game, 73rd in NCAA). Their path to victory involves slowing the game down and making it a half-court battle. Before betting on the home underdog, check the Princeton injury report to confirm the status of guard Dalen Davis, who has been nursing a knee injury. You can find their full home/road splits on the Princeton schedule and stats page.
Cornell vs Princeton Matchup Breakdown
This is a quintessential “clash of identities.” Cornell wants to turn the game into a track meet, while Princeton wants to execute their “Princeton Offense” with precision and patience. In their January meeting, Cornell’s speed overwhelmed the Tigers, but Princeton has historically been much better at defending the perimeter at home.
- The Three-Point Line: Cornell shoots 40.3% from deep; Princeton must run the Big Red off the line to stay competitive.
- Transition vs. Half-Court: Cornell averages 22.2 assists per game (1st in NCAA), mostly off fast breaks. Princeton must limit “live-ball” turnovers.
- Jadwin Advantage: Princeton is 7-3 at home but a dismal 1-12 on the road. The venue shift is the biggest factor in this rematch.
- Free Throw Proficiency: Cornell shoots 75% as a team; in a close 2.5-point game, points at the stripe will be the deciding factor.
Reviewing advanced NCAAB betting strategies can provide insight into how Ivy League “revenge games” typically play out when the home team was blown out in the first meeting.
Cornell vs Princeton Predictions and Best Bets
While Cornell’s offensive metrics are eye-popping, laying points on the road in the Ivy League is always risky—especially at Jadwin. However, the talent gap in the backcourt is significant. Cooper Noard and Josh Baldwin are playing at an All-Ivy level right now, and Princeton’s 352nd-ranked field goal percentage defense is a massive red flag against a team that shoots as well as Cornell.
Our model projects a higher-scoring game than Princeton usually prefers, but still slightly under the massive 156.5 line. Cornell’s efficiency should lead them to an 8-point victory, covering the small spread.
Best Bet: Cornell -2.5 (-116) and Under 156.5
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NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more Ivy League “Friday Night Lights” analysis, visit ScoresAndStats. We provide today’s college basketball picks for all the major mid-major action.
Check out our top sports handicappers to see who is finding value in the Ivy League this season. You can also monitor our handicapper leaderboard to find experts currently on winning streaks. To gain a professional edge on tonight’s slate, you can buy expert picks for immediate access to our premium plays.
