The Columbia Lions will try to pay off for their supporters on Saturday when they play host to the Elon Phoenix at Levien Gym in NCAA basketball action.

The Lions sit at 5-4 (2-2 ATS) on the season. By comparison, the Phoenix are currently 6-5 (5-2 ATS). Looking to wager on the totals? Columbia is 0-0 OU, and Elon is 1-4 OU.



View Elon vs Columbia Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
Bettors looking to go with the Lions in this one found them listed as 4-point favorites earlier on the NCAA basketball betting menu for Monday's contest. Check for updates as money coming in on the Phoenix was expected to move the line.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Lions, most recently No. 109 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Phoenix, who rate No. 90 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 70-68 victory for the Lions.



How They Match Up:
Scoring and defensive stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features Columbia's No. 237-ranked scoring average of 65 PPG, against a Phoenix defense rated No. 143 and allowing 64.4 PPG. The Lions FG% has averaged 41.7% to date this season, more than the Phoenix shooters have managed so far (39.2% per game).

Defensively, Elon features the nation's No. 169-rated defense on the road, allowing 70.2 points per game. Columbia, meanwhile, comes in at No. 272 nationally in scoring at home.

In their last action, Elon was a 76-54 loser on the road against Duke. They covered the 23.5-point spread as underdogs. Elon was crushed on Thursday, getting blown out by Duke and falling by a 76-54 score at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Columbia was a 54-42 Sportsbook in their most recent outing on the road against American. The Lions grabbed a 54-42 win over the Eagles on Sunday, behind a 20-point effort from Grant Mullins at Bender Arena.


Elon Phoenix Trends:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
After playing Duke are 1-0
After a loss are 5-5

Columbia Lions Trends:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Manhattan are 0-2
After playing American are 2-3
After a win are 4-6

A few Phoenix at Lions trends to consider:
Elon is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Columbia is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home


Next up:
Elon home to Manchester, Monday, December 31
Columbia home to Manhattan, Saturday, December 29