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Bucknell vs Colgate Prediction: College Basketball Insights and Betting Preview

As the Bucknell Bison face off against the Colgate Raiders on Monday, January 20th, at Cotterell Court in Hamilton, New York, fans are gearing up for an exciting Patriot League clash. Both teams are showing strong momentum, making this game a must-watch. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the matchup, including betting tips, team performance, and key players to watch.

Bucknell Bison Betting Preview

The Bucknell Bison, sitting at 8-11 overall and 4-2 in the conference, come into this game on a high note. They recently pulled off a 73-69 victory over Navy, overcoming a 9-point halftime deficit with an impressive 46-point second half. Key performances included:

• Noah Williamson: Leading the team with 25 points and eight rebounds.

• Josh Bascoe: Adding 18 points and seven assists.

Recent Performance

The Bison have displayed a mix of resilience and inconsistency:

• Wins: Defeated Holy Cross (86-82) and Navy (73-69).

• Losses: Struggled against American, losing 68-58.

Despite winning four of their last five games, they suffered an eight-game losing streak earlier this season.

Season Statistics

• Points per Game: 69.3 (scored) vs. 73.7 (allowed).

• Rebounds per Game: 34.6

• Assists per Game: 12.7

Key Players

• Noah Williamson: Averaging 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.

• Josh Bascoe: Contributing 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Bucknell’s shooting percentages this season are:

• Field Goals: 42.4%

• Free Throws: 64.6%

• Three-Pointers: 31.1%

Colgate Raiders Betting Preview

The Colgate Raiders, also at 8-11 overall but boasting a 5-1 conference record, are riding high after a dominant 90-67 win against Lafayette. This game highlighted their offensive prowess:

• Nicolas Louis-Jacques: Leading with 21 points and two rebounds.

• Jeff Woodward: Adding 17 points and eight rebounds.

Recent Performance

Colgate has been a powerhouse in the Patriot League, winning four consecutive games and five of their last six. Key victories include:

• Navy: 73-66

• Boston University: 87-50

The Raiders currently sit atop the Patriot League standings.

Season Statistics

• Points per Game: 69.7 (scored) vs. 69.5 (allowed).

• Rebounds per Game: 33.1

• Assists per Game: 14.1

Key Players

• Jeff Woodward: Averaging 13.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

• Nicolas Louis-Jacques: Contributing 12.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Colgate’s shooting percentages this season are:

• Field Goals: 45.2%

• Free Throws: 69.7%

• Three-Pointers: 34.9%

Why Colgate Has the Edge

• Night Game Dominance: Colgate has won 11 of its last 12 night games against conference opponents.

• Home-Court Advantage: The Raiders have triumphed in nine straight games at Wesley M. Cotterell Court against non-AP-ranked teams.

• First-Half Momentum: Colgate has led at halftime in 11 of their last 12 night games in the Patriot League.

Total Points Trends

• Each of Bucknell’s last six night games at Cotterell Court has produced at least 139 total points.

• Nine of the last 10 matchups between these teams have hit 137+ points.

Bucknell vs Colgate Prediction

While both teams have shown strong form recently, Colgate’s consistency and home-court dominance give them the edge. The Raiders’ superior shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc, and their stout defense (allowing 67 points or fewer in six straight games) make them formidable.

Prediction: Colgate to win, with the total points likely exceeding 139.

Insights

What makes Colgate’s defense stand out?

Colgate’s ability to limit opponents to under 70 points in most games this season is anchored by disciplined rotations and strong rebounding.

Can Bucknell’s Noah Williamson carry the team?

Williamson’s scoring and rebounding are vital, but his supporting cast will need to step up for Bucknell to overcome Colgate’s defensive intensity.

Is this a high-scoring matchup?

Historical trends suggest a high-scoring game, with both teams averaging over 69 points per game and their recent encounters surpassing 137 points.

How do these teams fare in tight games?

Colgate has excelled in clutch situations this season, particularly in night games, while Bucknell’s performances have been less reliable.

Conclusion

The Bucknell vs Colgate matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two strong Patriot League contenders. Colgate’s home advantage, balanced offense, and superior defense position them as favorites. For bettors, the Raiders’ recent form and trends in total points make this game an intriguing opportunity.