Brown Bears vs Cornell Big Red
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Matchup Analysis
This NCAAB matchup features Brown Bears (9-16 (6-7)) traveling to take on Cornell Big Red (13-12 (6-4)) at Newman Arena, Ithaca, NY. The Cornell hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the Brown by 4.0 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup.
On offense, Cornell averages 88.8 points per game, which exceeds what the Brown defense typically allows (69.0 PPG). That mismatch could give the home side opportunities to exploit. Meanwhile, Brown scores 70.7 PPG but faces a Cornell defense that limits opponents to 83.1 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker.
Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and Cornell will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects Cornell to win by approximately 3.8 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from Cornell winning by 17 to losing by 9.
Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.
Team Comparison
BRWN Brown
Stat
COR Cornell
9-16 (6-7)
Record
13-12 (6-4)
Last 10
70.7
PPG
88.8
69.0
Opp PPG
83.1
Current Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRWN Brown Bears | 0 | +9.5 | O 158.5 |
| COR Cornell Big Red | 0 | -9.5 | U 158.5 |
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 28, 5:44 AM
Model Projection
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRWN Brown Bears | +159 | +3.8 | O 159.5 |
| COR Cornell Big Red | -159 | -3.8 | U 159.5 |
Source: Model Updated: Feb 28, 5:04 AM
Our Picks
Spread
Pass
Model: -3.8 | Edge below threshold
Total
Pass
Model: 159.5 | Edge below threshold
Recent Trends
Cornell enters at 13-12 (6-4), hovering around the .500 mark. They've shown flashes of strong play but haven't been able to sustain consistency. At home, they'll look to put together a complete performance and build momentum.
It's been a difficult season for Brown at 9-16 (6-7). Traveling to face Cornell presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future.
When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.
Matchup Edges
Cornell
Advantages
- Home court advantage and crowd support
- Strong offense averaging 88.8 PPG
- Familiarity with home venue and routines
Disadvantages
- Defense allows 83.1 PPG — a vulnerability
- Potential for inconsistency in key moments
Brown
Advantages
- Nothing to lose as the visiting team
- Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure
Disadvantages
- Playing on the road without home crowd support
- Struggling with a 9-16 (6-7) record this season