Massachusetts Minutemen Defeat Harvard Crimson 78-71
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Mullins Center
Massachusetts Minutemen 78, Harvard Crimson 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Harvard Crimson vs Massachusetts Minutemen?
Massachusetts Minutemen beat Harvard Crimson 78-71 at Mullins Center on December 3, 2025.
Who was favored in Harvard Crimson vs Massachusetts Minutemen?
Massachusetts Minutemen were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Massachusetts Minutemen triumphed over the Harvard Crimson with a final score of 78-71 at the Mullins Center on December 4, 2025. This victory marks a continuation of Massachusetts' recent success, as they entered the game with a home record of 5-3 and a streak of one win following their last game against Oregon State, which they won 73-65. The Minutemen have averaged 74.0 points per game while allowing 73.5 points, showing a competitive edge in scoring but also indicating a need for defensive improvement.
Harvard came into the game with a slightly less favorable record of 5-5, having won their previous game against Bryant Bulldogs 56-53. The Crimson's recent form has been mixed, with an average of 69.2 points scored per game and 65.1 points allowed. Their away record stood at 2-3, suggesting they have struggled to find their rhythm on the road.
The matchup was noteworthy not only for the rivalry between the two teams but also for their contrasting styles. Massachusetts has shown a tendency to score heavily at home, with a home scoring average of 78.2 points in their last five games, while Harvard's scoring has dipped to an average of 65.2 points in their recent outings. This difference in scoring efficiency was evident throughout the game, especially in the second half.
In their previous meeting on November 27, 2024, Massachusetts also emerged victorious, winning 62-54 at Harvard's venue. This established a head-to-head record of 1-0 in favor of the Minutemen, adding to the competitive atmosphere of this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had their challenges throughout the season, which could have influenced their performance. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Massachusetts favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 143.5. The odds reflected the Minutemen's status as the home team and their recent form, with a money line of -250 for Massachusetts and +205 for Harvard.
The game conditions were typical for early December, likely impacting the players' performance as they adjusted to the indoor environment of the Mullins Center. Fans were treated to a display of free-throw shooting in the closing moments, with Marcus Banks Jr. and K'Jei Parker contributing significantly to Massachusetts' score from the charity stripe. Banks Jr. made four consecutive free throws late in the game, while Parker added two more to seal the victory.
Viewers should have noted the strategic adjustments made by both teams, particularly in the second half, where Massachusetts managed to maintain their lead through effective free-throw shooting and solid defensive plays. The final score of 78-71 not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted Massachusetts' ability to perform under pressure at home.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MASS -5.5 | 143.5 o -115 / u -105 | Harvard Crimson +205 · Massachusetts Minutemen -250 |
Leaders
- PointsMarcus Banks Jr.29Massachusetts Minutemen
- AssistsDanny Carbuccia13Massachusetts Minutemen
- ReboundsJayden Ndjigue6Massachusetts Minutemen
- PointsRobert Hinton35Harvard Crimson
- AssistsThomas Batties III4Harvard Crimson
- ReboundsRobert Hinton8Harvard Crimson
Recent form
Massachusetts Minutemen
Last 10: 4-6Streak W174 scored · 73.5 allowed per game3-4 at home
- W73-65at Oregon State BeaversNov 24
- L75-79vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 22
- L65-69at Charleston CougarsNov 21
- W84-77vs Central Connecticut Blue DevilsNov 16
- W94-80vs Le Moyne DolphinsNov 14
- W83-62vs UAlbany Great DanesNov 8
- L72-78vs Marshall Thundering HerdNov 4
- L71-78vs La Salle ExplorersMar 12
- L51-74vs Loyola Chicago RamblersMar 8
- L72-73at St. Bonaventure BonniesMar 6
Harvard Crimson
Last 10: 6-4Streak W169.2 scored · 65.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- W56-53vs Bryant BulldogsNov 29
- L60-73at Boston College EaglesNov 26
- L74-75at Boston University TerriersNov 22
- L80-84at Penn State Nittany LionsNov 19
- W56-54at Marist Red FoxesNov 16
- W75-52at Army Black KnightsNov 15
- L60-77vs Northeastern HuskiesNov 12
- W86-75vs New Hampshire WildcatsNov 9
- W79-50vs MIT EngineersNov 7
- W66-58vs Dartmouth Big GreenMar 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale | 24-7 | - | 11-3 |
| Harvard | 17-12 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Pennsylvania | 18-12 | 2 | 9-5 |
| Cornell | 15-13 | 3 | 8-6 |
| Columbia | 16-12 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Dartmouth | 11-16 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Princeton | 9-20 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Brown | 9-18 | 8 | 3-11 |
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Harvard Crimson | Massachusetts Minutemen |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-65 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 3-19 | 8-16 |
| Three-point % | 16 | 50 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 14-21 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 26 |
| Assists | 13 | 19 |
| Steals | 11 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 36 |
| Fouls | 17 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half34-50Tey Barbour made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Austin Hunt.
- 2nd Half36-50Ben Eisendrath made Layup.
- 2nd Half36-52Leonardo Bettiol made Layup. Assisted by Danny Carbuccia.
- 2nd Half36-54Leonardo Bettiol made Layup. Assisted by Marcus Banks Jr..
- 2nd Half38-54Thomas Batties III made Jumper. Assisted by Chandler Pigge.
- 2nd Half40-54Robert Hinton made Layup. Assisted by Thomas Batties III.
- 2nd Half40-57Marcus Banks Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jayden Ndjigue.
- 2nd Half40-59Marcus Banks Jr. made Layup.
- 2nd Half42-59Ben Eisendrath made Layup.
- 2nd Half45-59Chandler Pigge made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Robert Hinton.
- 2nd Half47-59Chandler Pigge made Layup. Assisted by Thomas Batties III.
- 2nd Half47-61Danny Carbuccia made Layup.
- 2nd Half50-61Thomas Batties III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ben Eisendrath.
- 2nd Half50-62Jayden Ndjigue made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-62Robert Hinton made Layup.
- 2nd Half52-64Leonardo Bettiol made Layup. Assisted by Danny Carbuccia.
- 2nd Half54-64Robert Hinton made Jumper.
- 2nd Half55-64Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-64Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-66Leonardo Bettiol made Layup. Assisted by Danny Carbuccia.
- 2nd Half56-68Marcus Banks Jr. made Layup. Assisted by Danny Carbuccia.
- 2nd Half57-68Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-68Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-68Robert Hinton made Layup. Assisted by Ben Eisendrath.
- 2nd Half62-68Robert Hinton made Jumper.
- 2nd Half62-70Leonardo Bettiol made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-70Robert Hinton made Jumper. Assisted by Thomas Batties III.
- 2nd Half65-70Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-72Leonardo Bettiol made Layup. Assisted by Danny Carbuccia.
- 2nd Half66-72Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-72Robert Hinton made Layup.
- 2nd Half69-72Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-73Marcus Banks Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-74Marcus Banks Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-75Marcus Banks Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-76Marcus Banks Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-76Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-76Robert Hinton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-77K'Jei Parker made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-78K'Jei Parker made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Massachusetts Minutemen, below favours Harvard Crimson.
Venue
- Mullins CenterAmherst, MA
- Attendance2216
- OfficialsAlfred Smith, Michael Griffith, Chris Fuller
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond