The Navy Midshipmen (19-10, 10-6 Pat) will travel to Sojka Pavilion to go head-to-head against the Bucknell Bison (20-9, 14-2 Pat) in their home finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Navy Midshipmen vs. Bucknell Bison ATS Preview
The Midshipmen beat the Boston University Terriers in their last matchup, 62-48. With 12 points and eight rebounds, Navy’s Mo Lewis put together a good performance. Navy played a flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 (above their season average of 33.0) and a turnover percentage of 14.4 (better than their season average of 18.5). Boston University had marks of 20.7 and 23.8, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Bison’s last game, they topped the Holy Cross Crusaders, 68-67. With 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Nana Foulland was the top scorer from either team. The Bison held the Crusaders to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below the 27.7 mark opponents have averaged against Bucknell this season) and had a free throw rate of 0.389 (above their season average of 0.296).
This game should be a battle of opposite paces. Bucknell has preferred to play fast (34th in possessions per game), while Navy has been slower-paced (323rd in possessions per game).
These teams have already met once this season. The Bison won 87-67. Bucknell’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Navy. The Bison had a rate of 0.663 while the Midshipmen posted a mark of 0.456. Zach Thomas put up a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Navy Midshipmen vs. Bucknell Bison ATS Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Bucknell, ATS Winner – Bucknell, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Midshipmen average 6.3 steals per game, which ranks 118th in the NCAA. The Bison rank 166th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Navy ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.0) while Bucknell ranks 198th (35.8).
- The Bison rank 49th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Midshipmen rank 240th (1.2).
- Bucknell ranks 107th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while Navy ranks 245th (19.1).
- The Bison’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.0, up from 6.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Midshipmen have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.8 points per game (9.8 below their season average).
