Columbia vs. Cornell Prediction and Odds (Go Under Despite Big Red's Rapid Pace)

If you love points, today's early tip between the Columbia Lions and Cornell Big Red is the perfect game to get your college basketball betting started.

The Lions have lost six straight, but have covered in their last four road games. Meanwhile, Cornell also comes off a five-point loss to Penn over the weekend after winning three straight.

The Big Red are big home favorites, but can the Lions keep their cover streak alive?

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Columbia vs. Cornell Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Columbia +14.5 (-110)
• Cornell -14.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Columbia +800
• Cornell -1400

Total:

• 158 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Columbia vs. Cornell Prediction and Pick

Cornell has the ability to run Columbia out of the gym, but I don't necessarily buy that it's going to happen.

The Big Red play with the fourth-fastest pace in all of college basketball, but only rank 174th in KenPom adjusted offensive efficiency.

Furthermore, they don't shoot 3-pointers very well. Most of their buckets come inside looks, ranking 20th in two-point field goal percentage, compared to 194th from downtown.

Give Columbia credit for playing tough despite one conference win in eight games, but covering in four straight on the road is not an easy task. Part of what's kept them in games is their above-average three point shooting, ranking 69th in the country and tops in the Ivy League, as well as in blocks.

Ultimately, I think the total is a tad too inflated at 158, and while Cornell should get into the 80s, that's still a difficult task when you're not making a lot of outside shots. The Big Red shot only 20.7% in their most recent home loss to Penn.

LEAN: UNDER 158 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting picks in real-time HERE!