Columbia vs North Florida Prediction 12/28/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Columbia Lions and the North Florida Ospreys will meet on Sunday afternoon in a non‑conference matchup at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

Columbia Lions Betting Preview

The Columbia Lions enter Sunday’s contest with a 9–3 win-loss record. The Lions have amassed wins over Albany, Hofstra, New Haven, Fairfield and the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. The Lions have lost games to California, Stony Brook and the Connecticut Huskies. More recently, in the Columbia Lions dominant 93-65 win over the Albany Great Danes earlier this month, Columbia guard Kenny Noland tallied 16 points (5 of 12 shooting from the field), 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal.

The Columbia Lions average 77.3 points on 47.5 percent shooting from the field and 34.6 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Lions allow 69.4 points per game.

Senior guard Kenny Noland leads the Columbia Lions backcourt averaging 16.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Senior forward Zine Eddine Bedri provides the Lions with an interior presence averaging 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. Sophomore guard Gerard O’Keefe contributes 9.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

North Florida Ospreys Betting Preview

The North Florida Ospreys enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with a 2–10 overall record, including a 0–7 mark on the road. The Ospreys have compiled wins over New College of Florida and Trinity Baptist, while dropping games to Florida, Tennessee, Wofford, Southern Miss, Prairie View A&M, SIU‑Edwardsville, Gonzaga and the Dayton Flyers. In the North Florida Ospreys 111-67 victory over the Trinity Baptist Eagles last month, North Florida forward Dalton Gayman tallied 17 points (5 of 8 shooting field), 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Ospreys backcourt.

The North Florida Ospreys average 71.2 points per game on 41.5% shooting from the field and 38.4% from three‑point range (25th in nation) per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Ospreys are allowing opponents 94.9 points per game which ranks an abysmal 365th in the country.

Senior guard Kamrin Oriol has been a solid contributor for the North Florida Ospreys this season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Sophomore guard Kent Jackson is averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Freshman forward Trey Cady is averaging 15.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.5 steals per game.

Why the North Florida Ospreys Will Win

•             Backcourt play. Senior guard Kamrin Oriol has been a standout performer for the North Florida Ospreys in 2025, averaging 16.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.8 steals per game.

•             Motivation. The North Florida Ospreys arrive at tomorrow afternoon’s game on the heels of a five-game losing streak.

Why the Columbia Lions Will Win

•             Quality guard play. Senior guard Kenny Noland leads the Columbia Lions backcourt averaging 16.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

•             Defensive edge. The Columbia Lions are allowing opponents 69.4 points per game. Conversely, the North Florida Ospreys are allowing opponents 94.9 per contest which ranks 365th in the nation.

North Florida Ospreys vs. Columbia Lions Prediction

This matchup features Columbia’s efficient offense and rebounding strength against a North Florida team that has struggled defensively all season. Look for the Lions to lean on Kenny Noland’s scoring and Zine Eddine Bedri’s interior presence, while the Ospreys will counter with Kamrin Oriol’s perimeter shot creation.

North Florida has been competitive in stretches, but the team’s defense has been poor all season which presents a difficult matchup against a Columbia team that shoots efficiently and controls the boards. If Columbia maintains its shooting rhythm and limits turnovers, the Lions should be able to create separation and secure a road victory.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Columbia Lions -13.5