The Brown Bears (14-12, 7-5 Ivy League) are set to face the Harvard Crimson (16-10, 8-4 Ivy League) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This Ivy League showdown is crucial, as both teams are looking to strengthen their position in the standings as the conference tournament approaches.
Team Performance and Recent Form
Brown Bears
The Bears have had an up-and-down season but have won three of their last five games. They are coming off a 68-65 victory over Cornell, where Kino Lilly Jr. led the team with 18 points and 4 assists, while Nana Owusu-Anane added 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Brown’s defensive intensity has been key to their success, allowing an average of 66.8 points per game over their last five outings. They rank near the top of the Ivy League in turnovers forced per game (14.2), making their pressure defense a major factor against Harvard’s half-court offense.
Harvard Crimson
The Crimson are in strong form, having won four of their last five games, including a 72-60 win over Yale in their last outing. Chris Ledlum led the charge with 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Noah Kirkwood added 15 points and 5 assists.
Harvard has been one of the best defensive teams in the Ivy League, allowing just 64.5 points per game. They have also been dominant on the glass, ranking first in rebounding margin (+6.2 per game).
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the second meeting between these teams this season. In their first matchup on January 20, 2025, Harvard secured a 70-65 road victory over Brown. The Crimson have won 7 of the last 10 meetings between these programs.
Brown will need to control the tempo and limit Harvard’s second-chance opportunities, as the Crimson outrebounded them 39-28 in their first meeting.
Key Players to Watch
Brown Bears
- Kino Lilly Jr. – The standout guard is averaging 14.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, providing a key scoring presence for Brown.
- Nana Owusu-Anane – The versatile forward contributes 12.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, giving Brown an inside-out presence.
Harvard Crimson
- Chris Ledlum – Harvard’s leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, he also adds 6.8 rebounds, making him a key two-way player.
- Noah Kirkwood – The senior guard averages 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, providing leadership on both ends of the floor.
Game Outlook and Prediction
This game will likely be a defensive battle, with both teams ranking in the top three in the Ivy League in scoring defense. Harvard’s rebounding edge and home-court advantage could be major factors, but Brown’s ability to force turnovers may keep them in the game.
If Harvard controls the glass and limits their turnovers, they should have the upper hand. However, if Brown’s pressure defense disrupts Harvard’s half-court sets, an upset could be in play.
Prediction: Harvard Crimson 68, Brown Bears 62
Broadcast Info: Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ at 7:00 PM ET.
