Bucknell Bison vs Kentucky Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Bucknell vs Kentucky NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lexington.

Bucknell vs Kentucky Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Bison versus the Wildcats? Tip off is at at 4:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on SEC. The game will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 152.5 points, with Kentucky being favored by -23.5 over Bucknell.

Bucknell vs. Kentucky Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Bucknell Bison at Kentucky Wildcats
Where: Lexington at Rupp Arena
Date: Saturday, November 9th
Betting Odds UK -23.5, BUCK +2000 | UK -9000 O/U 152.5

Bison Preview: No Pressure for Bucknell as Away Dogs

Bucknell Bison Recent Game

The Bison opened their season with a 75-69 road win over Southern Indiana on November 7th. Bucknell entered the game as 3-point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 144, just under the O/U line of 147.

Bucknell led 30-27 at halftime and scored 33 points in the 2nd half, while allowing 36 points to the Screaming Eagles after the break.

Bison Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Bucknell's offense put up 75 points, despite shooting just 38.1% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.3%, but they made up for it at the free-throw line, hitting 25 of 34 attempts (73.5%).

Noah Williamson led the way with 32 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 56.2% from the field. Jayland Randall added 17 points, hitting 3 of 7 from deep, while Damoni Harrison and Josh Bascoe each contributed 15 points. The Bison also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and finished with just 8 assists as a team.

Bison Team Defense

Despite Bucknell's defensive efforts, they gave up 69 points, with their opponents shooting 41% from the field. The Bison allowed 45% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 17/37 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Bucknell's defense held their opponents to 34% shooting, as they hit 8 of 23 attempts. The Bison also sent the other team to the line 18 times, where they made 11 free throws, shooting 61%.

Wildcats Preview: Will the Wildcats Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game

Kentucky cruised to a 103-62 win over Wright State on Monday, November 4th. The Wildcats, playing at home, were -21.5 point favorites going into the game and covered the spread comfortably. The total points for the game reached 165, surpassing the O/U line of 160.5.

After leading 46-24 at halftime, Kentucky put up 57 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38 points. The Wildcats’ strong offensive performance in the 2nd half helped them secure the win and cover the spread.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Kentucky's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 103 points with a 60% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 67.7%, thanks to 68.3% shooting on two-pointers and 45.8% from beyond the arc.

The Wildcats dished out 30 assists, with Otega Oweh leading the way, shooting 8 of 9 overall and 3 of 3 from deep. Koby Brea was also perfect from three, hitting 4 of 4, and finished 7 of 8 from the field.

Wildcats Team Defense

Despite Kentucky's defensive efforts, they allowed 62 points while the opposing team shot 60% from the field, hitting 39 of 65 attempts. Inside the arc, they were particularly effective, making 28 of 41 two-point shots for a 68% success rate.

From three-point range, Kentucky's opponent connected on 11 of 24 attempts, shooting 45%. They also went to the free-throw line 19 times, converting 14 for a 73% rate. Kentucky gave up 7 offensive rebounds in the game.

Bison vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across their last five road contests, Bucknell has been good against the spread posting a mark of 5-0. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 74 points per game.
Through their last ten home contests, the Wildcats offense has averaged 81 points per game while allowing an average of 78. Kentucky posted an overall record of 6-4 while going 5-5 ATS.
Through their last five games as the underdog, the Bison have an ATS record of 5-0 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
As the betting favorite, the Wildcats have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Kentucky posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.