Columbia vs Rutgers Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/30/24

In this article, we will formulate a Columbia vs Rutgers prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, December 30th at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Columbia Lions Betting Preview

The Columbia Lions are 11-1 this year after they defeated Fairfield by a score of 85-72 in their last game. Columbia trailed 41-32 at the half, but they scored 53 points in the second half in the win. The Lions shot 57.7% from the field, 40.9% on three-pointers, and 94.1% on free throws in the game. Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led Columbia with 27 points and three assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Lions defeated two non-D-1 teams by scores of 92-46 and 98-49. Columbia has scored 83.3 points per game and they have allowed 67.1 points per game, while also averaging 37.8 rebounds and 19.5 assists per game this season. Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa is averaging 19.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while Columbia is shooting 50.9% from the field, 75.5% on free throws, and 37.2% on three-pointers this year. Columbia will meet Cornell after this game.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 7-5 this season after they lost to Princeton by a score of 83-82 in their last game. Rutgers led 46-44 at halftime, but they only scored 36 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 46% from the field, 31.6% on three-pointers, and 78.3% on free throws in the game. Dylan Harper led Rutgers with 22 points and five rebounds in the game.

Prior to that loss, the Scarlet Knights defeated Seton Hall by a score of 66-63 and Penn State by a score of 80-76. Rutgers has scored 78.8 points per game and they have allowed 75.2 points per game, while also averaging 36.3 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game this season. Dylan Harper is averaging 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while Rutgers is shooting 46.2% from the field, 71.6% on free throws, and 33.8% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Rutgers will beat Columbia

• Rutgers has won each of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
• Columbia has lost 19 of its last 22 away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Columbia has lost the first half in three of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Rutgers’ last 18 day games at Jersey Mike’s Arena has produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Each of Columbia’s last four road games against the Big Ten Conference has produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Columbia vs Rutgers Prediction 

Columbia comes into this matchup on a three-game winning streak and they only have one loss on the season, but they have played a pretty easy schedule so far. The Lions are shooting over 50% from the field and they are scoring 83.3 points per game this year, so they may find success against a Rutgers defense that is allowing 75.2 points per game. The Scarlet Knights do have five losses on the season, but they have played a difficult schedule. The Rutgers defense is a concern, but they should be fine against this Columbia team.