Lafayette Leopards vs Bucknell Bison NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Leopards versus the Bison? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Sojka Pavilion in Lewisburg, PA. The over/under for this game is set at 129.5 points, and Bucknell is favored by -5.5 vs. Lafayette in a Patriot League conference matchup.
LAFAYETTE LEOPARDS VS BUCKNELL BISON BETTING PICK
The Pick: Bucknell Bison -5.5
This game will be played at Sojka Pavilion at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE BUCKNELL BISON:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Bison.
- Not only will Bucknell pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 129.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Can the Leopards Pull Off a Road Win?
Lafayette Leopards Recent Game/Games
The Leopards dropped to 5-9 on the season after a narrow 71-70 loss to Navy on Sunday. Lafayette, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread but couldn’t pull off the upset on the road.
After trailing 41-33 at halftime, the Leopards outscored Navy 37-30 in the second half but fell just short. The game’s total points of 141 exceeded the over/under line of 138.5.
In their latest game, Lafayette put up 70 points, shooting 45.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.2%. They connected on 39.1% of their three-point attempts, hitting 9 of 23 from deep, while shooting 50% on two-point shots.
Donovan Draper led the way with 17 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field. Caleb Williams added 16 points, hitting 4 of 8 from three-point range, and Andrew Phillips contributed 15 points, going 3 for 4 from beyond the arc.
Lafayette gave up 71 points on 43% shooting from the field, as their defense allowed 26 made field goals on 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they held their opponent to 43% shooting, with 19 makes on 44 two-point attempts.
From three-point range, Lafayette’s defense allowed 7 threes on 16 attempts, with their opponent shooting 43% from deep. They also sent the other team to the line 17 times, where they converted 12 free throws for 70%. Lafayette gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Bison?
Bucknell Bison Recent Game/Games
Bucknell improved to 5-10 on the season after a 66-60 home win over Colgate on Sunday. The Bison entered the game as -2.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game ended at 126, falling short of the O/U line of 134.5.
After leading 23-19 at halftime, Bucknell’s offense picked up in the 2nd half, scoring 43 points while allowing 41 to Colgate.
Bucknell put up 66 points in their last game, shooting 42.9% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, and they hit 66.7% of their free throws, going 10-for-15 from the line.
Noah Williamson led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 50% from the floor. Sam Wright added 16 points in just 17 minutes, connecting on 4 of 8 threes.
Despite Bucknell’s defensive efforts, they couldn’t keep the opposing team from scoring 60 points. The Bison allowed their opponents to shoot 42% from the field, with 24 made baskets on 56 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Bucknell’s defense gave up 8 threes on 22 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 15 times, where they made 10 shots, hitting 66% of their free throws.