College Hoops picks 11/18: Boston Univ. @ Columbia

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET

The Boston University Terriers (2-2) are set to face the Columbia Lions (2-1) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM UTC in New York City. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2002.

Team Analysis

Boston University

  • Season Overview and Recent Form

The Terriers have had a mixed start to the season, with a 2-2 record. Their most recent game was a 91-79 loss to the Merrimack Warriors, where Michael McNair led the team with 21 points. Prior to that, they secured a 90-77 victory over the Brown Bears.

  • Key Players

Michael McNair: Scored 21 points in the loss to Merrimack.

Ernest Shelton: A 6-foot-5 guard and one of seven transfers on the roster, Shelton leads the team with 19.3 points per game, including 3.3 made three-pointers per game.

Kevair Kennedyi: A 6-foot-2 guard, Kennedyi is second on the team with 9.0 points per game and ties for the team lead with 3.7 rebounds per game.

Columbia

  • Season Overview and Recent Form

The Lions have started the season with a 2-1 record. Their most recent game was an 86-72 victory over the UMass Lowell River Hawks, where Kenny Noland led the team with a career-high 24 points. Earlier, they faced a tough 89-62 loss to the No. 3 UConn Huskies.

  • Key Players

Kenny Noland: A 6-foot-2 guard, Noland is averaging 15.3 points per game and has a career-high 24 points in the win over UMass Lowell.

Zine Eddine Bedri: A 6-foot-10 forward, Bedri is contributing 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Mason Ritter: A 6-foot-9 forward, Ritter leads the team with 7.0 rebounds per game and adds 6.7 points per game.

Key Matchup Factors

  • Head-to-Head History

Columbia leads the all-time series 2-1, with the most recent meeting in 2002.

  • Important Player Matchups

The battle between Michael McNair and Kenny Noland will be pivotal. McNair’s scoring ability will be tested against Noland’s defensive skills. Additionally, the matchup between Ernest Shelton and Zine Eddine Bedri in the frontcourt will be crucial for controlling the paint.

  • Injuries and News

Boston University will be without guard K. Alexander, who is sidelined due to a leg injury. Columbia has no reported injuries affecting their lineup.

  • Home/Away Performance

Columbia has a strong home record, finishing 9-6 at Levien Gymnasium last season. Boston University has struggled on the road, with a 3-12 record last season.

Betting Analysis

  • Spread Analysis

Columbia is favored by 6.5 points. Given their strong home performance and Boston University’s road struggles, this line appears reasonable.

  • Total (Over/Under) Analysis

The total is set at 145.5 points. Both teams have shown the ability to score, with Columbia averaging 73.0 points per game and Boston University averaging 74.2 points per game. Considering their recent games, the over might be a favorable bet.

  • Best Value Opportunities

Betting on Columbia to cover the spread seems prudent, given their home advantage and Boston University’s road difficulties. Additionally, the over on the total points could be a worthwhile consideration.

Prediction

Columbia is likely to secure a victory, covering the 6.5-point spread, with the game total going over 145.5 points. The Lions’ home-court advantage and the Terriers’ road challenges are significant factors in this prediction.

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