Columbia vs Cornell

Columbia’s primary guard has shown glimmers of brilliance, but their three-game losing streak highlights a defensive slump that might not be resolved before tip-off. Meanwhile, Cornell enters on a two-game surge, boosted by the return of their center, who recently recovered from a minor ankle concern and is expected to dominate the paint. Even with Columbia’s small forward likely sidelined due to a wrist injury, they still rely on a sharpshooting guard known for torching Cornell in past meetings. However, Cornell boasts a high-performing tandem in the backcourt that has historically stifled Columbia’s offense, pushing the edge firmly in Cornell’s favor.

Columbia’s guard Jordan Palmer, hungry to snap a lingering four-game losing skid, faces a Cornell squad riding a steady two-game winning streak and brimming with confidence. Although the Lions’ starting center remains a question mark with a nagging ankle issue, their offense still shows promise. Meanwhile, Cornell’s leading scorer, who posted multiple 20+ point bursts against Columbia in previous outings, will likely continue his streak of big performances. With the line set at 170, the combined scoring potential from both sides looks enticing for an explosive matchup. An Over bet stands to fetch a solid return, so we’re grading it at B+ for expected reliability and rewarding value.