Buffalo vs Pittsburgh Prediction 11/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Buffalo Bulls and the Pitt Panthers meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Petersen Events Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. 

Buffalo Bulls vs. Pitt Panthers Prediction

I’m on Pitt here. I know it’s a big number, but historically, Pitt has been a team that handles these inferior teams out of the gate with relative ease. The Bulls had some serious defensive issues in their opener against Marshall, and while the Herd should be solid and Pitt may have issues in ACC play, I still think the Panthers have enough in the tank to pick up a win and cover here. 

Buffalo Bulls Recap

The Buffalo Bulls come into this game looking to bounce back from a 92-65 loss at the hands of Marshall last time out to sit at 0-1 so far this season. After this game, the Bulls will head home for a game against Penn State Schuylkill. Antoine Lorick III has 28.0 PPG with a team-high 15.0 RPG to lead the Bulls in rebounding while Drew Steffe has 19.0 PPG with 2.0 RPG and 1.0 APG to cap off the double-digit scorers for Buffalo. Dylan Ducommun has 9.0 PPG with 3.0 RPG and a team-high 2.0 APG to share the team lead in assists, while J.J. Starling has 4.0 PPG with 3.0 RPG and a team-high 2.0 APG to share the team lead in assists as well. Matas Buteliauskas has 3.0 PPG, Kyle Jones has 2.0 PPG, and Mikkel Tyne has 2.0 APG with 1.0 RPG this season. As a team, Buffalo is averaging 65.0 PPG on 37.1% shooting from the field, 18.5% from three and 66.7% from the foul line this season.

Why the Buffalo Bulls will win

• Buffalo has won six of its last seven night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Pittsburgh has lost three of its last four night games.
• Pittsburgh has lost the first half in six of its last seven night games.

Pitt Panthers Recap

The Pitt Panthers come into this game looking to build on their 95-57 win over Rider last time out to sit at 1-0 so far this season. After this game, the Panthers will square off against Penn State on a neutral floor. Chase Foster has 23.0 PPG with 6.0 RPG to share the team lead in rebounding while Jonathan Powell has 18.0 PPG with 6.0 RPG and 2.0 APG to share the team lead in rebounding as well. A’Lahn Sumler has 12.0 PPG with 4.0 RPG and 5.0 APG, Baye Ndongo has 12.0 PPG with 6.0 RPG to share the team lead in rebounding, and Jalil Bethea has 10.0 PPG with 2.0 RPG and 4.0 APG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Pittsburgh. Naithan George has 8.0 PPG with a team-high 8.0 APG to lead the Panthers in assists, Dominique Diomande has 5.0 PPG with 2.0 RPG, Kraig Gilbert has 3.0 PPG with 2.0 RPG, Armani Mighty has 2.0 PPG with 3.0 RPG, and Jermal Jones has 2.0 PPG as well this season. As a team, Pittsburgh is averaging 95.0 PPG on 49.2% shooting from the field, 53.8% from three and 70.8% from the foul line this season.

Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win

• Pittsburgh has won 15 of its last 16 home night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Buffalo has lost each of its last six Thursday games.
• Pittsburgh has won the first half in 14 of its last 15 home night games against non-Conference opponents.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Pitt -18.5