Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our NJIT vs Bucknell NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lewisburg.
NJIT vs Bucknell Prediction
Looking to win big? The Highlanders and Bison face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bison are hosting the game at Sojka Pavilion in Lewisburg, PA. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 135 points, and Bucknell is favored by -13 vs. NJIT.
NJIT vs. Bucknell Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: NJIT Highlanders at Bucknell Bison
- Where: Lewisburg at Sojka Pavilion
- Date: Thursday, November 21st
- Betting Odds BUCK -13, NJIT +616 | BUCK -1000 O/U 135
Highlanders Preview: Is a Road Win Possible for the Highlanders?
NJIT Highlanders Recent Game/Games
The Highlanders faced George Washington on Monday, November 18th, falling 84-64 on the road. NJIT entered the game as +21 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 148, surpassing the O/U line of 142.5.
After trailing 44-34 at halftime, NJIT struggled to close the gap, scoring 30 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40 points to the Revolutionaries.
Highlanders Offense Breakdown
In their last game, NJIT's offense put up 64 points, shooting 41.8% from the field. They connected on 36% of their threes, going 9-for-25, and were efficient at the line, hitting 9-of-10 free throws.
Darren Buchanan Jr. and Tariq Francis each scored 20 points, with Buchanan shooting 61.5% and adding 6 assists. Jake Goldberg was 4-of-6 from deep, finishing with 14 points and 71.4% shooting overall.
Highlanders Team Defense
Despite NJIT's defensive efforts, they allowed 84 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Highlanders struggled to contain their opponent inside, giving up 64% on two-point attempts, with 22 makes on 34 shots.
From beyond the arc, NJIT held their opponent to 28% shooting, as they connected on just 6 of 21 three-point attempts. However, NJIT sent them to the free-throw line 29 times, where they made 22 free throws, shooting 75%.
Bison Preview: Will the Bison Find a Way to Win at Home?
Bucknell Bison Recent Game/Games
Bucknell pulled off an impressive 80-76 home win over Richmond on Saturday, November 16th. The Bison were +4 point underdogs going into the game, but not only did they win, they also covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 156, surpassing the O/U line of 139.
The Bison's comeback was the story of the game. After a rough first half where they trailed 37-19, Bucknell turned things around by scoring 42 points and holding Richmond to just 24 in the second half.
Bison Offense Breakdown
Bucknell's offense put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 45.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.4%. They hit 10 threes on 31 attempts (32.3%) and were strong inside, shooting 61.5% on two-pointers. At the free-throw line, they connected on 29 of 39 attempts, good for 74.4%.
Noah Williamson and DeLonnie Hunt each scored 26 points, with Williamson shooting 69.2% from the field and adding 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Hunt hit 66.7% of his threes (2/3). Jonathan Beagle contributed 23 points on 6/8 shooting, including 1/1 from deep, and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Bison Team Defense
Despite Bucknell's defensive efforts, they allowed 76 points on 45% shooting from the field. The Bison gave up 16 two-point baskets on 26 attempts, with the opposing team converting 61% of their shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Bucknell's opponents shot 32%, hitting 10 of their 31 attempts. The Bison also sent the other team to the free-throw line 39 times, where they made 29 free throws, shooting 74%. Bucknell limited them to just 4 offensive rebounds.
Highlanders vs Bison Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- In their last five games away from home, the Highlanders have a straight up record of 0-5 while going 1-4 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 65 points per game in these contests.
- Bucknell has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 77 points per game while allowing 80. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Highlanders have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
- As the betting favorite, the Bison have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Bucknell posted a straight up mark of 6-4 in these matchups.
NJIT vs Bucknell Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: NJIT +13 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.