Bucknell (12-17) vs Lafayette (10-19)
Game Info: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Sojka Pavilion)
Betting Odds: Bucknell -4.5 - Over/Under: 127.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The Lafayette Leopards will make the in-state trip to Lewisburg to meet the Bucknell Bison in Patriot League play this Saturday from the Sojka Pavilion on ESPN+. Bucknell comes in as 4.5-point home favorites, with the total hovering 127.5. Stay tuned for our Lafayette vs Bucknell Prediction.
Lafayette Rundown: Leopards Limping Into Conference Tourney
Lafayette fell to 11-19 after losing to Navy in Annapolis, 62-58. The Leopards had their rally cut short by the Midshipmen, and they’ll attempt to dodge a fourth straight loss here in Lewisburg. Lafayette is scoring 63.5 points per game, on 41.1% shooting, while allowing 71.5 ppg, and they’re currently third in the Patriot League with a 10-7 record in conference play.
Lafayette’s X-Factors
- Palm Beach native Devin Hines led the way with a game-high 20 points in the win over American, and he now leads Lafayette in scoring (9.6).
- Veteran guard Eric Sondberg has knocked down three triples or more in four of the last six contests, and he’s second on the team at 9.3 ppg.
- Junior center Justin Vander Baan leads the Leopards in rebounding (5.2), while averaging 9.0 ppg.
- Freshman guard Mark Butler scored a team-high 16 points in the January 11th win over Colgate, and he’s averaging 8.1 ppg and a team-leading 3.6 apg.
Bucknell Rundown: Can the Bison Come Through on Senior Night?
Bucknell moved to 12-18 after defeating Loyola (MD) in Baltimore, 68-46. The Bison had their way with the Terriers on the road, and they’ll look to close the season with a third straight victory against the Leopards. Bucknell is scoring 64.8 points per game, on 42.6% shooting, while allowing 71.0 ppg, and they’re currently 6th in the Patriot League with a 9-8 record in conference play.
Bucknell’s X-Factors
- Veteran guard Jack Forrest knocked down four treys in back-to-back games, and he leads the team in scoring (16.7), while grabbing 5.3 rpg.
- Sophomore center Noah Williamson missed the Lehigh matchup, and his status needs to be monitored ahead of this battle with Colgate, as he leads Bucknell in rebounding (6.2), while scoring 12.7 ppg.
- Hopewell native Elvin Edmonds IV stepped up with a season-high 20 points against the Mountain Hawks, and he leads the Bison in assists (4.7), while scoring 11.3 ppg.
Lafayette vs Bucknell Trends
- LAF is 13-15-1 against the spread, with a 12-17 over/under record
- The Leopards are 3-7 over their last ten games, and they’re 6-8 on the road this season.
- BUCK is 16-13-1 against the spread, with a 12-18 O/U record
- The Bison are 5-5 over their previous ten games, and they’re 5-8 in Lewisburg this season.
Lafayette vs Bucknell Prediction
Both schools are trending in opposite directions to close the season, and if you’re approaching this contest, rolling with Bucknell’s momentum may be a good way to go. The Bison were doing well in conference play prior to a four-game skid last month, and they’re annually one of the stronger programs. Lafayette is solid collectively, but after dropping three straight contests, they can be targeted on Senior Night. Back Bucknell for this Patriot League matchup.