The Pennsylvania Quakers and Columbia Lions are set to clash in an Ivy League matchup at the Francis S. Levien Gymnasium in New York, NY, on March 1, 2025. Both teams are looking to end their respective losing streaks, with Penn (7-18, 7th in the Ivy League) on a two-game skid and Columbia (12-13, 8th in the Ivy League) having dropped five consecutive contests. This game carries significant implications for both teams as they aim to finish the season on a high note.
Team Overview and Statistical Comparison
Offensive Efficiency
Columbia has been the stronger offensive team this season, averaging 77.96 points per game compared to Penn’s 68.60. The Lions also hold an edge in shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 46.74% versus Penn’s 41.43%. Columbia is more reliable from the free throw line as well, converting 73.86% of their attempts compared to Penn’s 68.40%. These numbers highlight Columbia’s ability to score efficiently, which could be crucial in a high-paced game.
Defensive Metrics
Defensively, both teams allow nearly identical points per game (Penn: 76.28, Columbia: 76.68). However, Penn has a slight advantage in opponent field goal percentage, holding teams to 45.19% shooting compared to Columbia’s 46.08%. While neither team excels defensively, Penn’s marginally better defensive efficiency could play a role in containing Columbia’s offense.
Rebounding
On the boards, both teams are evenly matched in offensive rebounding (Penn: 7.84 per game, Columbia: 8.08). However, Columbia holds a slight edge in defensive rebounds, which may help them control possessions and limit second-chance opportunities for Penn.
Recent Form and Trends
Penn has been inconsistent over its last seven games but managed a notable win against Cornell during this stretch. Their scoring has hovered around their season average of 68 points per game, with most losses coming by narrow margins. Meanwhile, Columbia’s recent form is concerning—they’ve lost five straight games despite scoring over 80 points in several contests during that span. Defensive lapses have plagued the Lions, as they’ve allowed over 90 points multiple times during their losing streak.
In their previous meeting on January 25, 2025, Penn dominated with a decisive 93-78 victory. The Quakers will look to replicate that performance by exploiting Columbia’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Players
Pennsylvania Quakers
Ethan Roberts: The standout performer for Penn this season is Ethan Roberts, who averages 17.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 44.1% from the field and an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc.
Nick Spinoso: Spinoso is another key contributor for the Quakers, averaging 13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His versatility makes him a crucial piece on both ends of the floor.
Columbia Lions
While individual player statistics for Columbia were not detailed in the sources provided, their offensive efficiency suggests they rely on strong contributions from multiple scorers. Their ability to spread the floor and shoot efficiently will be critical against Penn’s defense.
Coaching Analysis
Penn head coach Steve Donahue brings nearly three decades of experience and is known for his tactical acumen and emphasis on three-point shooting. His analytical approach could give Penn an edge in exploiting Columbia’s defensive weaknesses. On the other hand, Columbia’s coaching staff will need to address their team’s defensive lapses and find ways to neutralize Penn’s top performers.
Game Dynamics
Home Court Advantage
Playing at Francis S. Levien Gymnasium gives Columbia a slight edge due to familiarity with the court and support from home fans. However, their recent struggles at home may diminish this advantage.
Tempo
Columbia prefers a faster pace of play given their higher scoring average and efficient shooting percentages. If the Lions can dictate tempo and turn this into a high-scoring affair, they’ll have the upper hand. Conversely, Penn may look to slow down the game and rely on their defense to grind out a win.
Three-Point Shooting
Three-point shooting could be pivotal in this matchup. Donahue’s teams historically emphasize perimeter shooting1, and with Roberts shooting nearly 40% from deep, Penn could capitalize if they get hot from beyond the arc.
Strength of Schedule
Both teams have faced tough competition within the Ivy League this season but have struggled against stronger opponents overall. Their performances against common opponents suggest that this matchup will likely come down to execution rather than talent disparity.
Advanced Metrics and Betting Insights
The betting odds slightly favor Columbia as -125 moneyline favorites with a spread of -1.5 points and a total set at 153 points. This indicates expectations of a close contest with moderate scoring.
Projections from Models
Based on advanced metrics like KenPom ratings and Haslametrics:
- Expected offensive efficiency favors Columbia.
- Defensive metrics slightly favor Penn.
- The projected tempo aligns with Columbia’s preference for higher-scoring games.
Prediction and Betting Recommendations
Predicted Final Score
Pennsylvania Quakers: 74
Columbia Lions: 78
This prediction reflects Columbia’s offensive efficiency and home-court advantage but also accounts for Penn’s ability to keep games close with their defense.
Confidence Level
Medium – Both teams have been inconsistent recently, making this matchup difficult to predict with high confidence.
Recommended Bet Type
Spread: Take Columbia -1.5 due to their superior offense and home-court advantage.
Total: Consider betting on the under (153) as both teams may struggle to maintain consistent scoring given recent form.
Player Props
Look for value in Ethan Roberts’ three-point shooting props or Nick Spinoso’s rebounding totals if available.
Key Factors
The outcome will likely hinge on:
- Whether Columbia can tighten up defensively.
- Penn’s ability to capitalize on three-point opportunities.
- The pace of play—slower favors Penn; faster favors Columbia.
In what promises to be an intriguing Ivy League battle, expect a closely contested game with potential late-game drama!
