Bucknell Bison vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/9/24
Looking to win big? The Bison and Wildcats face off at 4:00 ET on SEC. The Wildcats are hosting the game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Kentucky as the -23.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 152.5 points.
BUCKNELL BISON VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Bucknell Bison +23.5
This game will be played at Rupp Arena at 4:00 ET on Saturday, November 9th.
WHY BET THE BUCKNELL BISON:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-71 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Even though we have Kentucky winning straight-up, we like Bucknell at +23.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Does Bucknell Have a Shot at a Road Win?
Bucknell Bison Recent Game/Games
Bucknell started their season with a 75-69 win over Southern Indiana on Thursday, November 7th. The Bison were -3 favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 144, just under the O/U line of 147.
Bucknell led 30-27 at halftime and scored 33 points in the 2nd half. They allowed 36 points in the 2nd half but managed to hold on for the win.
In their last game, Bucknell’s offense put up 75 points, shooting 38.1% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.3%, and they hit 73.5% of their free throws, going 25-for-34 from the line.
Noah Williamson led the way with 32 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 56.2% overall. Jayland Randall added 17 points, hitting 3 of 7 from deep, while Damoni Harrison and Josh Bascoe each contributed 15 points.
Despite Bucknell’s defensive efforts, they couldn’t hold their opponent under 69 points, as they allowed a 41% shooting performance from the field. The Bison gave up 17 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, with their opponent shooting 45% inside the arc.
From three-point range, Bucknell’s defense allowed 8 made threes on 23 attempts, a 34% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 11 shots, shooting 61%. Bucknell gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Wildcats Win at Rupp Arena?
Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game/Games
Kentucky cruised to a 103-62 win over Wright State on Monday, November 4th, at home. The Wildcats were -21.5 point favorites going into the game and covered the spread with ease.
They led 46-24 at halftime and continued to dominate in the 2nd half, outscoring the Raiders 57-38. The total points for the game reached 165, surpassing the O/U line of 160.5.
Kentucky’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 103 points while shooting 60% from the field. They were particularly effective from inside the arc, hitting 68.3% of their two-point attempts, and their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 67.7%.
The Wildcats also connected on 45.8% of their three-pointers, with Koby Brea and Otega Oweh both going perfect from deep. Brea hit 4 threes without a miss, while Oweh went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Oweh finished with 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting overall, and Kentucky dished out 30 assists as a team.
Despite Kentucky’s defensive struggles, giving up 62 points on 60% shooting, they managed to win. The Wildcats allowed 68% shooting on two-pointers, with their opponent hitting 28 of 41 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Kentucky’s defense couldn’t slow down the three-point attack, as their opponent shot 45%, making 11 of 24 threes. They also sent them to the line 19 times, where they made 14 free throws, shooting 73%.