Southern Indiana (0-1) vs Bucknell (1-0)
November 7, 2024 at 08:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Southern Indiana +2.5 / Bucknell -2.5 — Over/Under: 144
The Bucknell Bisons and the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Screaming Eagles Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Bucknell vs. Southern Indiana prediction.
Bucknell Recap
The Bucknell Bisons come into this game looking to build on their season-opening 85-73 win over Delaware last time out. After this game, Bucknell will head to Rupp Arena for a matchup with Kentucky.
Bisons Start Strong
Noah Williamson led the way with 19 points on 6 of 8 shooting with a team-high 12 rebounds for the double-double while Ian Motta and Josh Bascoe each had 18 points with Motta shooting 7 of 11 from the floor with 5 rebounds while Bascoe went 6 of 11 with 4 threes and a team-high 3 steals. Elvin Edmonds IV had 14 points with 7 rebounds and a team-high 5 assists to round out the scoring in double figures for Bucknell in the win. As a team, Bucknell is averaging 85 PPG on 52.7% shooting from the field, 52.6% from three, and 63% from the foul line this season.
Why the Bucknell Bison will win
- Southern Indiana has lost seven of its last eight games.
- Bucknell has won each of its last four night games.
Southern Indiana Recap
The Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles come into this one looking to bounce back after starting the year with an 80-78 OT loss to DePaul last time out. After this game, Southern Indiana will head on the road for a game against Marshall.
Screaming Eagles Lose Heartbreaker
Stephen Olowoniyi led the Screaming Eagles in scoring with 23 points on 11 of 17 shooting while adding a team-high 9 rebounds as well in the losing effort. Jayland Randall added 22 points on 9 of 11 shooting with 3 threes while Damoni Harrison added 17 points on 6 of 8 shooting with 6 rebounds to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Southern Indiana in the loss. Jack Campion and Sam Kodi each had a team-high 4 assists as well in the loss for USI. As a team, Southern Indiana is averaging 78 PPG on 50% shooting from the field, 42.9% from three, and 83.3% from the foul line this season.
Why the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles will win
- Bucknell has lost each of its last six road games following a road win.
Bucknell vs. Southern Indiana Prediction
I’m on Bucknell here. I think that there’s a lot more upside for the Bisons after their strong start offensively, and while Southern Indiana came close against Depaul, I think that result was more about Depaul letting Southern Indiana hang around than it was about the Screaming Eagles being competitive. Bucknell has a lot more returning production and early on I think that pays dividends. Give me Bucknell here.