Pennsylvania (6-14) at Yale (14-6)
- When: Feb 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: John J. Lee Amphitheater, New Haven, CT, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN+
Game Preview
Point Spread: Yale -16.0
Total: 149.5
Friday night brings an Ivy League clash as the Yale Bulldogs host the Penn Quakers at Lee Amphitheater. With Yale riding a dominant winning streak and Penn struggling to find consistency, bettors should analyze whether the Bulldogs can cover a sizable spread or if the Quakers can keep it competitive.
Penn Quakers: Searching for Consistency
Penn (6-14) has struggled throughout the season, failing to establish any real momentum. The Quakers have had just two back-to-back wins this season, and beyond those rare bright spots, they have been on a downward spiral. Losses to teams like Lafayette, Saint Joseph’s, and Drexel set the tone early, and their current 2-7 stretch in Ivy League play has only compounded their struggles.
Last Friday, Penn battled Princeton but ultimately fell 61-59. Despite outscoring the Tigers in the second half, they couldn’t close the gap. Nick Spinoso contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while Sam Brown put up 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists over 40 minutes.
One of Penn’s biggest issues has been its inconsistent offense. They’ve had trouble keeping pace with higher-scoring Ivy League teams and have lacked a reliable scoring threat outside of Spinoso and Brown. Their defense hasn’t done them any favors either, allowing opponents to dictate the tempo far too often.
Key Betting Trends for Penn:
2-7 in their last nine games
Lost to Yale 76-62 earlier this season
Struggles in games decided by double digits
With Penn’s inconsistent play and road woes, it will take a near-perfect performance to keep this one close against the Ivy League leaders.
Yale Bulldogs: Rolling Through the Ivy League
Yale (14-6) has been unstoppable since the calendar flipped to 2024. After an even 6-6 start, the Bulldogs have ripped off eight straight wins, including victories over Harvard, Princeton, and their upcoming opponent, Penn. Their latest performance was a 103-88 dismantling of Cornell, where their offense was firing on all cylinders.
John Poulakidas led the way with 32 points, while Nick Townsend added 25 points and six rebounds. Bez Mbeng had an all-around dominant game, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, and five steals. Yale’s offensive efficiency has been elite, and they have been excellent at controlling the tempo and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.
The Bulldogs’ interior presence is a significant advantage. They dominate the paint, averaging nearly 40 points inside per game, and they also lead the Ivy League in offensive rebounds. Their ability to win second-chance opportunities and dictate the pace of play makes them a nightmare matchup for struggling teams like Penn.
Key Betting Trends for Yale:
8-0 in their last eight games
14-6 overall and unbeaten in Ivy League play
Scoring 80+ points in five of their last seven matchups
Yale’s momentum is undeniable, and with home-court advantage, they are expected to continue their dominance.
Betting Prediction & Best Bets
Best Bet: Yale -16.0 – The Bulldogs have been covering big spreads with ease, and with Penn’s offensive struggles, this should be another double-digit win.
Over/Under: Over 149.5 – Yale’s offense is humming, and with Penn allowing plenty of points, this game has the potential to clear the total.
Prop Bet to Watch: John Poulakidas Over Points – After his 32-point outburst against Cornell, look for Poulakidas to stay hot.
Yale is in prime position to extend its winning streak and maintain its Ivy League dominance, while Penn will likely struggle to keep up. Expect the Bulldogs to take care of business at home.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
