Bucknell Bison vs Syracuse Orange NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24
Planning on watching today’s Bison and Orange game? Catch the action at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY, as the Orange hosts this showdown at 2:00 ET on CW. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 148.5 points, and Syracuse is favored by -12.5 at home against Bucknell.
BUCKNELL BISON VS SYRACUSE ORANGE BETTING PICK
The Pick: Syracuse Orange -12.5
This game will be played at JMA Wireless Dome at 2:00 ET on Saturday, December 28th.
WHY BET THE SYRACUSE ORANGE:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-66 in favor of the Orange.
- Not only will Syracuse pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -12.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 148.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Can the Bison Lock in a Road Win?
Bucknell Bison Recent Game/Games
Bucknell fell to 4-8 on the season after an 86-65 loss to Gonzaga on Saturday. The Bison, who were +34 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 151, just under the O/U line of 154.5.
Bucknell trailed 38-27 at halftime and allowed 48 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own.
In their recent game, Bucknell’s offense put up 65 points, shooting 40.7% from the field. They connected on 10 of 31 three-point attempts, hitting 32.3% from deep, while their effective field goal percentage was 49.2%. At the free-throw line, the Bison made 7 of 10 attempts, shooting 70%.
Graham Ike was a standout performer, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in just 20 minutes, shooting 73.3% from the field. Noah Williamson added 16 points, and Ben Gregg contributed 15, hitting 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. Josh Bascoe and Nolan Hickman each scored 14 points, with Hickman making 4 of 8 threes.
Despite sending their opponent to the line just 9 times, Bucknell gave up 86 points, allowing 47% shooting from the field. The Bison struggled to contain the two-point attack, with their opponent hitting 61% of their shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Bucknell’s defense allowed 12 threes on 35 attempts, a 34% shooting performance. They also gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.
Are the Orange Ready for a Home Win?
Syracuse fell to 5-6 on the season after a tough 87-60 home loss to Maryland on Saturday. The Orange entered the game as +14 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 147, which was under the O/U line of 153.5.
After trailing 43-17 at halftime, Syracuse managed to score 43 points in the 2nd half but still allowed 44 points to Maryland, unable to close the gap.
Syracuse’s offense managed just 60 points in their last game, shooting 43.1% from the field. They hit 50% from three, going 8-for-16, and made both of their free throws. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, and they grabbed 6 offensive rebounds, dishing out 17 assists as a team.
Selton Miguel led the way with 24 points, hitting 6-of-9 from three and shooting 72.7% overall. Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 17 points and 11 assists, shooting 60% from deep. Elijah Moore also contributed, shooting 63.6% from the field and 66.7% from three.
Syracuse’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 87 points while allowing the opponent to shoot 43% from the field. The Orange did manage to hold their opponent to 40% shooting on two-point attempts, with 17 makes on 42 tries.
From beyond the arc, Syracuse allowed 8 threes on 16 attempts, a 50% shooting performance. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line just twice, where they converted both attempts. Syracuse gave up 6 offensive rebounds.