Cornell vs Yale: Odds & Predictions for 2025 Ivy League Championship Game
Basketball players battling for possession
Yale enters the 2025 Ivy League championship game as 5.5-point favorites (-228 ML) against Cornell (+185 ML), with the total set at 158.5. The game tips off at 12:00 pm ET on Sunday, March 16, at Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center.
Yale dominated the regular season with a 13-1 conference record, including two high-scoring victories over Cornell (103-88 and 92-88). The Bulldogs feature the dynamic duo of James Poulakidas (19.0 PPG) and Nick Townsend (15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG).
Cornell brings a potent offense (62nd in KenPom efficiency) but struggles defensively (262nd). The Big Red are riding a five-game win streak, averaging 92.8 PPG during this stretch. Their balanced scoring attack features five starters averaging between 10.5 and 14.7 PPG, with four shooting over 39% from three-point range.
The teams' previous matchups this season both went over the current total, combining for 191 and 180 points respectively. Cornell is 16-9-2 on overs this season (64% hit rate), while Yale sits at 13-13-1.
Yale has reached five of the last six Ivy League championship games, winning close contests in 2022 (66-64 vs Princeton) and 2024 (62-61 vs Brown). They advanced to this year's final with a narrow 59-57 win over Princeton.
Best Bet: Cornell moneyline (+185)
- Big Red's explosive offense can keep pace with Yale
- Strong momentum with six straight ATS wins
- Balanced scoring attack provides multiple threats
- Nearly upset Yale in their last meeting despite being on the road