The Bucknell Bison (24-9, 18-2 Pat) and Colgate Raiders (19-12, 14-6 Pat) wrap up the regular season when they battle at Sojka Pavilion. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Bucknell is a 9-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 147 points.
Colgate Raiders vs. Bucknell Bison ATS Prediction
The Raiders will be hoping for similar success after defeating the Holy Cross Crusaders in their last outing, 62-55. The Raiders, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.0, had an absurd mark of 41.5 and had a turnover percentage of 8.4 (better than their season average of 14.7). Colgate was lifted by Will Rayman, who was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The last time the Bison played, they had no trouble getting past the Boston University Terriers, 90-59. The Bison, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.1, had a phenomenal mark of 40.7 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.661 (above their season average of 0.533). Stephen Brown was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
It will be a matchup of conflicting styles as the up-tempo Bison will look to push the slower-paced Raiders. The Bison currently rank 38th in possessions per game while the Raiders are 301st. Furthermore, the Raiders rank 45th in turnover percentage (16.5 percent), while the Bison rank 266th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.3 percent).
Colgate holds records of 19-12 straight up (SU) and 5-1 against the spread (ATS). Raiders games tend to go under the O/U total (100.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Bucknell owns records of 24-9 SU and 4-5 ATS. Contrary to Colgate, games including the Bison have typically gone over the projected point total (62.5 percent).
The Bison have won both matchups against the Raiders this season, escaping with a close one-point victory the last time these teams met. Bucknell was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 129 points, which was 22.5 points below the projected point total of 151.5 points. Bucknell’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Colgate. The Bison had a rate of 0.327, while the Raiders posted a mark of 0.264. Rayman had a double-double in the loss with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Colgate Raiders at Bucknell Bison Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Bucknell, ATS Winner – Bucknell, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Colgate is 2-0 ATS with 2 unders and 0 overs.
Bucknell is 1-2 ATS at home with 2 overs and 1 under.
Bucknell ranks 82nd in rebounds per game (36.9) while Colgate ranks 248th (32.8).
The Raiders rank 29th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Bison rank 175th (6.8).
Bucknell ranks 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while Colgate ranks 167th (22.1).
The Bison rank 36th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Raiders rank 121st (3.3).
Bucknell ranks 97th in assists per game (14.4) while Colgate ranks 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Colgate is 2-0 ATS with 2 unders.
Bucknell is 1-1 ATS with 2 overs over their last five games.
The Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (8.2 below their season average).
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