Bucknell Bison vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Matchup

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

Bucknell vs Gonzaga Prediction

Planning on watching today's Bison and Bulldogs game? Catch the action at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, WA, as the Bulldogs hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 151.5 points, and Gonzaga is favored by -35.5 against Bucknell in a non-conference matchup.

Bucknell vs. Gonzaga Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Bucknell Bison at Gonzaga Bulldogs
Where: Spokane at McCarthey Athletic Center
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Betting Odds GNZG -35.5, BUCK +3300 | GNZG -10000 O/U 151.5

Bison Preview: Will the Bison Come Through as Road Underdogs?

Bucknell Bison Recent Game/Games

Bucknell dropped to 4-7 on the season after a 74-70 road loss to Radford on Sunday. The Bison entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 29-25 at halftime, Bucknell outscored Radford 34-30 in the 2nd half but couldn’t complete the comeback. The total points for the game reached 144, going over the pre-game O/U line of 133.5.

Bison Offense Breakdown

Bucknell's offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 40.9% from the field. They hit 28.6% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of 35 attempts, while their two-point shooting was more efficient at 54.8%.

Achile Spadone led the way with 22 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep and shooting 75% overall. Josh Bascoe added 19 points, though he struggled from the field, shooting 31.6% and just 22.2% from three-point range.

Bison Team Defense

Despite Bucknell's defensive efforts, they allowed 74 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 39% from the field. Bucknell held them to 43% on two-point attempts, as they went 18/41.

From beyond the arc, Bucknell limited their opponents to 5/18 shooting, or 27%. However, they sent them to the free-throw line 36 times, where they converted 23, shooting 63%. Bucknell also gave up 17 offensive rebounds.

Bulldogs Preview: Can Gonzaga Lock in a Home Win?

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gonzaga improved to 8-3 on the season with a 102-72 win over Nicholls on Wednesday. The Bulldogs were heavy favorites at -34.5 but didn’t cover the spread.

Leading 43-29 at halftime, Gonzaga scored 59 points in the 2nd half while allowing 43. The game’s total points of 174 went over the O/U line of 155.5.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

Gonzaga's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 102 points with a field goal percentage of 64.8% (35/54). Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 72.2%, thanks to 73% shooting from two-point range (27/37) and 47.1% from beyond the arc (8/17). They also hit 88.9% of their free throws (24/27) and dished out 23 assists.

Braden Huff led the way with 25 points in just 19 minutes, shooting 91.7% (11/12) from the field. Graham Ike added 20 points, while Ryan Nembhard contributed 18 points and 10 assists. Nolan Hickman was efficient as well, hitting 3 of 4 from three-point range and finishing with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Bulldogs Team Defense

Even with Gonzaga's defensive struggles, giving up 72 points on 64% shooting, they managed to hold their opponent to just 5 offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs allowed 27/37 (73%) from inside the arc.

From three-point range, Gonzaga's defense gave up 8/17 (47%). They also sent their opponent to the line 27 times, where they hit 24 free throws (88%).

Bison vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across their last five road contests, Bucknell has a 4-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-4, while averaging 68 points per game.
Across the Bulldogs last ten home games, the team averaged 78 points per game while allowing 70. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-5, while going 6-4 straight-up.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Bison have a straight up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-1.
Looking back on the team's last three games as the favorite, the Bulldogs have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 0-3.