It will be a battle between Pat opponents when the Army West Point Black Knights (5-8) welcome the Bucknell Bison (6-6) to Christl Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Bucknell Bison at Army West Point Black Knights ATS Prediction
The Bison will be looking for similar success after just getting past the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in their last matchup, 88-85. The Bison had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.0 vs. 22.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.560 vs. 0.517). Nate Sestina fueled Bucknell with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Black Knights’ previous game, they defeated the Marist Red Foxes, 73-69. Army West Point’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Marist. The Black Knights had a rate of 8.6, while the Red Foxes posted a mark of 16.1. Matt Wilson was Army West Point’s leading scorer with 24 points on 8-for-8 shooting from the field.
Army West Point could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. Army West Point ranks 42nd in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while Bucknell forces the 54th-fewest turnovers (17.0 percent). Additionally, put-back points figure to be tough to come by for the Bison. They rank 335th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 21.6 percent, while the Black Knights are 37th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.9 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Kimbal Mackenzie (0 points) has been great for the Bison while Tommy Funk (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Black Knights.
After the Bison won both meetings against the Black Knights last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Bucknell won 83-71. The Bison had a much better free throw rate (0.410 vs. 0.130) and had a better turnover percentage (17.9 vs. 20.6).
Bucknell Bison at Army West Point Black Knights Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Army West Point, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Bucknell averages 25.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. Army West Point ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
The Black Knights rank 116th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Bison rank 241st (31.7).
Bucknell averages 14.7 assists per game, which ranks 80th in the nation. Army West Point ranks 163rd in assists allowed per game (14.4).
The Bison rank 125th in blocks per game (2.8) while the Black Knights rank 137th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
Army West Point ranks 101st in steals per game (6.6) while Bucknell ranks 109th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
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The Bison’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 0.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Black Knights have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.0 points per game (9.4 above their season average).
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