The La Salle Explorers (0-8) seek their first win when they meet the Bucknell Bison (3-3) at Tom Gola Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Bucknell Bison at La Salle Explorers Free Prediction
In the Bison’s last outing, they blew out the Monmouth Hawks, 65-43. The Bison had a much better free throw rate (0.226 vs. 0.115), while the Hawks had a turnover percentage of 23.5 (above their season average of 20.1). Bucknell was led by Nate Sestina, who put up 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Explorers fell to the No. 23 Villanova Wildcats in their last outing, 85-78. Villanova’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over La Salle. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.388 (above their season average of 0.230), while the Explorers posted a mark of 0.160 (below their season average of 0.244). With 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, La Salle’s David Beatty had a good game.
The Bison won the sole game against the Explorers last season, 88-81. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Bucknell’s biggest advantages. They made 35 trips to the line, while La Salle went 21 times.
There’s a decent chance that Bucknell struggles to create turnovers. Since the 2017-18 season, La Salle ranks 79th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.3 percent), while Bucknell has forced the 82nd-fewest turnovers (17.4 percent). Additionally, the defense of the Bison should have an edge in terms of effective field goal percentage. They rank 58th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.480, while the Explorers’ offense ranks 296th in effective field goal percentage (0.489).
Bucknell at La Salle Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Bucknell, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Bucknell ranks 119th in assists per game (14.3) while La Salle ranks 232nd (12.6).
The Bison rank 160th in rebounds per game (35.9) while the Explorers rank 254th (34.0).
La Salle ranks 176th in steals per game (6.0) while Bucknell ranks 233rd (5.4).
The Bison average 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. The Explorers rank 56th in blocks allowed per game (2.8).
La Salle allows the 35th-fewest three pointers per game (19.3) while Bucknell ranks 38th (19.4).
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