The Bucknell Bison (17-8, 11-2 Pat) and the Holy Cross Crusaders (13-13, 4-9 Pat) square off at Hart Recreation Center. The Bison will attempt to prolong their five-game winning streak. Action starts at 12:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Bucknell Bison vs. Holy Cross Crusaders Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Crusaders lost to the Colgate Raiders, 74-70, while the Bison defeated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 87-75.
Bucknell dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 25.3) and a free throw rate of 0.385 (above their season average of 0.263). For those same stats, Lehigh recorded marks of 16.2 and 0.317, respectively. Holy Cross, meanwhile, forced Colgate into a turnover percentage of 20.8 (above their season average of 16.7). Austin Butler led the way for Holy Cross, putting up 12 points and five rebounds. Bucknell was lifted by Kimbal Mackenzie, who recorded 27 points and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Nate Sestina led the Bison to a 93-78 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 32 points. One of Bucknell’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Crusaders were just 8-13 (61.5 percent).
Holy Cross could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Holy Cross ranks 41st in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Bucknell forces the 44th-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent).
Bucknell at Holy Cross Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Bucknell, ATS Winner – Bucknell, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bucknell ranks 51st in three pointers attempted per game (25.7) while Holy Cross ranks 226th (20.2).
- The Crusaders rank 60th in steals per game (7.4) while the Bison rank 129th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Bison rank 170th in rebounds per game (34.7) while the Crusaders rank 282nd (28.0).
- Bucknell averages 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 47th in the nation. Holy Cross ranks 145th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Crusaders’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 1.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 83.2 points per game (6.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
