COLUMBIA (8-12, 2-4) at PRINCETON (13-5, 4-0)

Overlooked coming into conference play, the Tigers have won 11 of their last 12 games and surprised everyone with their start. Columbia struggled against the Big Red and Harvard to start the Ivy schedule but has recovered by winning two of its last three games. Still missing guard Patrick Foley with a separated right shoulder, the Lions rely almost exclusively on Noruwa Agho. If he is on, Columbia is capable of providing the kind of upset that Harvard needs. Against Princeton, though, I don’t see it happening.

Pick: Princeton 58, Columbia 50

DARTMOUTH (4-16, 0-6) at BROWN (7-16, 1-5)

The bottom pair of Ivy teams both could use a win. Brown has far more talent than the Big Green, including potential All-Ivy forward Matt Mullery and streaky freshman Tucker Halpern in the frontcourt. But the Bears have a head-scratching resume which features a hard-fought game against Cornell and a stunning loss to Penn. Depending on which Brown team shows up, Dartmouth might have a chance. I say the shame of last place is enough inspiration for the Bears to play well and take down the Big Green.

Pick: Brown 64, Dartmouth 55

No. 22 CORNELL at PRINCETON

This matchup is the game of the week. Cornell came into its last hyped game—against Harvard two weeks ago—with such focus that it’s hard to imagine the Big Red won’t be geared up for this game as well. The big difference this time is that the game takes place on enemy territory. Historically, Princeton’s Jadwin Gymnasium has proven to be a hostile atmosphere, but Cornell has already shown poise on bigger arenas such as Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse. The Big Red has thrived each time it has faced a challenge, and I see the trend continuing.

Pick: Cornell 66, Princeton 56

DARTMOUTH at YALE

The road doesn’t get any easier for Dartmouth. Eventually, it will steal a win in the conference, but it’s impossible to predict against whom. Until that day comes, I’ll continue picking against the Big Green.

Pick: Yale 67, Dartmouth 58

COLUMBIA at PENN

I think Penn is better than its record and stands a good chance against a team as one-dimensional as the Lions. The Quakers have the most devoted fans in the Ivy League, and I think they will give Penn a big lift in its first home Ivy weekend of the season.

Pick: Penn 70, Columbia 67

HARVARD at BROWN

Mullery presents a huge challenge to the Crimson’s big men. The Brown forward is the most polished post player in the league, and Harvard, which couldn’t handle Cornell’s similarly-talented forward Jeff Foote, is thin on the front line. Facing the Bears on the back end of the trip, on a night after logging big minutes in New Haven, won’t make the task of stopping Mullery any easier. I’m tempted to pick Brown with an upset, but I would never forgive myself if the Crimson pulled out a win. Harvard in a squeaker.

Pick: Harvard 68, Brown 66

RECORD LAST WEEK: 6-2 (To date: 13-3)

—Staff writer Timothy J. Walsh can be reached at twalsh@fas.harvard.edu.