Kentucky vs Bucknell Prediction 11-9-24 College Basketball Picks
Bucknell (2-0) vs. Kentucky (1-0)
November 9, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Kentucky -20.5; Over/Under: +151.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Bucknell Bison and the Kentucky Wildcats meet Saturday in college basketball action from the Rupp Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Kentucky vs Bucknell Prediction.
Bucknell Recap
The Bucknell Bison come into this one looking to build on their 2-0 start to the year after a 75-69 win over Southern Indiana last time out. After this game, Bucknell will head home for a matchup with Mount St. Mary’s.
Bison Looking To Spring Upset
Noah Williamson leads the Bison in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double per game with 25.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG while Josh Bascoe has 16.5 PPG with 2.5 SPG this season. Ian Motta’s added 11.5 PPG with 5.5 RPG and Elvin Edmonds IV has 10 PPG with 6.5 RPG and 3 APG to round out the group of double-digit scorers so far this season for Bucknell as the Bison’s top assist man. As a team, Bucknell is averaging 80 PPG on 46.4% shooting from the field, 38.9% from three and 68.9% from the foul line this season.
Why the Bucknell Bison will win
- Bucknell has won each of its last five night games.
Kentucky Recap
The Kentucky Wildcats come into this one looking to build on their 103-62 win over Wright State last time out. After this game, Kentucky will head on the road for a matchup with Duke.
Wildcats Looking To Build Steam
Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 21 points on 8 of 9 shooting with 3 threes and 3 steals while Lamont Butler added 14 points on 6 of 12 shooting with a team-high 5 assists and 3 steals of his own. Amari Williams added 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting with a team-high 13 rebounds and 3 assists for the double-double while Andrew Carr and Ansley Almonor each had 11 points to cap off the scoring in double figures for Kentucky in the win. Carr shot 3 of 5 with 3 assists while Almonor shot 5 of 7 from the floor. Brandon Garrison also added 5 assists and a pair of steals in the winning effort. As a team, Kentucky is averaging 103 PPG on 60% shooting from the field, 45.8% from three and 73.7% from the foul line this season.
Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win
- Kentucky has won 26 of its last 27 night games against non-Conference opponents at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
- Bucknell has lost each of its last five night games following an overtime win.
Kentucky vs Bucknell Prediction
I’m on Kentucky here. I’m a bit concerned because of the potential for a look-ahead spot with Duke on deck, but Kentucky is still the better team here and have been known to beat up on lesser teams at home early on in non-conference play. The Bison are going to be a serious player in the Patriot League this season I think, but right now it’s Kentucky’s time. Give me the Wildcats.
