The Holy Cross Crusaders (3-24, 2-12 Pat) will try to snap their seven-game losing streak when they challenge the Bucknell Bison (10-17, 6-8 Pat) at Hart Recreation Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, February 17, 2020.
Consensus Odds From Indiana Sportsbooks: Bucknell -7, Total 147
Bucknell Bison at Holy Cross Crusaders Betting Prediction
The Bison will be looking for a similar result after defeating the American University Eagles in their last game, 72-68. The Bison had a free throw rate of 0.214 (above their season average of 0.208) and held the Eagles to an effective field goal percentage of 0.446 (below their season average of 0.516). With 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting, Kahliel Spear was Bucknell’s high scorer.
In the Crusaders’ last game, they were beaten by the Lafayette Leopards, 72-62. Lafayette out-rebounded Holy Cross. The Leopards had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. six), defensive rebounds (32 vs. 22) and total rebounds (43 vs. 28). With 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Joe Pridgen was the top scorer from either team.
Holy Cross could struggle to create turnovers. Bucknell ranks 211th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 19.6 percent), while Holy Cross forces the eighth-fewest turnovers (15.8 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, John Meeks put up 19 points and five rebounds and the Bison defeated the Crusaders 75-60. The Bison’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Crusaders. Bucknell had a rate of 12.6, while Holy Cross posted a mark of 28.1.
Bucknell Bison vs. Holy Cross Crusaders ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Holy Cross, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Bucknell ranks 89th in steals per game (7.0) while Holy Cross ranks 228th (4.9).
The Bison rank 33rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while the Crusaders rank 65th (19.6).
Bucknell ranks 73rd in blocks per game (3.7) while Holy Cross ranks 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
The Bison rank 262nd in rebounds per game (32.6) while the Crusaders rank 274th (32.1).
Bucknell averages 12.3 assists per game, which ranks 190th in the nation. Holy Cross ranks 201st in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Bison’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (matching their season average).