Cornell Big Red vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks Prediction, Odds and Best Bet
Cornell will beat Lehigh 81-78 in our forecast, with Jacob Beccles and Mateen Rafiq’s opening-game production supplying the strongest reason to favor the Big Red. Lehigh’s home record makes this a low-confidence pick, however. Neither Cornell -1.5 (-104) nor the 159.5 total offers a convincing betting advantage given the competing scoring signals, so the official recommendation is Pass.
Cornell Big Red vs Lehigh Mountain Hawks prediction and best bet
Cornell gets the narrow nod after opening with an 86-85 win over Pepperdine. Its two leading scorers in that game give the Big Red an encouraging offensive starting point against Lehigh, which struggled to shoot in its opener. The forecast is Cornell 81, Lehigh 78, but the official betting decision is Pass.
The distinction matters at these prices. Cornell can be the preferred winner without being a compelling spread purchase, and a projected total just below 159.5 leaves little cushion for an Under. Lehigh’s strong home results last season and Cornell’s defensive concerns keep both markets too close for an official wager.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST, according to the Associated Press preview.
Venue: Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Broadcast: ESPN+.
Matchup: Cornell Big Red at Lehigh Mountain Hawks in 2026-27 men’s college basketball. Cornell enters 1-0; Lehigh enters 0-1. This is Lehigh’s home opener.
SportsJaw odds: Cornell Big Red -1.5 (+100); Lehigh Mountain Hawks +1.5 (-120). Moneyline: Cornell Big Red -116; Lehigh Mountain Hawks -104. Total: Over 159.5 (-110); Under 159.5 (-110).