It will be a battle between Pat opponents when the Bucknell Bison (9-14, 5-5 Pat) welcome the Lafayette Leopards (14-7, 6-4 Pat) to Sojka Pavilion. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 3, 2020.
Lafayette Leopards at Bucknell Bison Free Prediction
The Leopards come in on a high note after defeating the American University Eagles in their last game, 82-70. The Leopards knocked down 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent) and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 26.5). Lafayette received a boost from Justin Jaworski, who was the game’s high scorer with 32 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
In the Bison’s last outing, they were blown out by the Boston University Terriers, 77-57. Boston University’s 16.2 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Bucknell, who had a rate of 22.7. The Terriers’ mark was worse than their season average of 14.8, while the Bison’s was above their season average of 17.5. Bucknell’s Andrew Funk contributed 11 points and five rebounds in the game.
It could be a difficult game for Bucknell on the offensive glass. The Bison rank 275th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.2 percent), while Lafayette ranks 92nd in defensive rebounding percentage (74.1 percent). Furthermore, the sharp-shooting offense of the Leopards ranks 10th in effective field goal percentage (0.558), while the Bison are 34th-worst in the NCAA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.529).
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Paul Newman had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Bison beat the Leopards 78-66. The Bison had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 19.1) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 vs. 22.9).
Lafayette Leopards at Bucknell Bison Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Bucknell, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Lafayette ranks 17th in assists per game (16.4) while Bucknell ranks 209th (11.8).
The Bison rank 84th in steals per game (7.2) while the Leopards rank 237th (4.7).
Bucknell ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Lafayette ranks 158th (21.9).
The Leopards rank 189th in rebounds per game (34.6) while the Bison rank 267th (32.3).
Lafayette ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while Bucknell ranks 69th (2.9).
The Leopards’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (1.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
