College Basketball Picks: Pennsylvania vs. Harvard: January 30 2009

Pennsylvania +6.0 (-110) - Fri January 30 7:00 p.m.
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A quick glance at the records may suggest that the 9-7 Harvard Crimson have the edge when they host the 4-10 Pennsylvania Quakers tonight, but a closer look reveals that Penn has value here getting this many points.

This is actually the Ivy League opener for the Quakers, so their record is a bit deceptive, as they have played some major programs during the non-conference portion of their schedule. Remember that Penn is a Big Five school, so facing Villanova, Temple, St. Josephs and La Salle is a nice way of preparing for the weaker teams of the Ivy League.

Penn did cover the number vs. La Salle, and they also show a narrow two-point loss to Drexel and even a covering loss at North Carolina on their ledger. Harvard is obviously much more in their element, and we feel that the Quakers could only benefit by playing all those quality teams early on.

Harvard has already played two conference games, and they were already shocked here at home by Dartmouth in overtime last game as 15-point favorites. The biggest claim to fame for the Crimson so far this season is their upset win at Boston College, but do not forget that they were playing a very flat Eagles team that night that was coming off of a shocker over North Carolina.

Looking at the Pomeroy Ratings, Penn has a strength of schedule ranked No. 127 in the nation, while Harvard has played a cream puff schedule that ranks just 318, even with that Boston College game factored in.

Look for a more toughened Penn team to fight right down to the final buzzer here.

College Basketball Free Pick: Pennsylvania +6 (-110) - Courtesy of LT Profits