On Friday, November 14, 2025, the Hofstra Pride will visit the Bucknell Bison at Sojka Pavilion in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, for a 7:00 PM EST tip-off. This matchup marks the third meeting between these two programs in the past six seasons, with Hofstra leading the series 2-1.
Team Analysis
Hofstra Pride
The Pride enter this game with a 1-2 record, having secured a decisive 95-61 victory over Molloy College in their most recent outing. In that game, junior guard Cruz Davis delivered an impressive performance, recording 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Davis has been a standout for Hofstra, averaging 18.0 points per game through the first three contests. Other key contributors include Preston Edmead (15.3 PPG), Victory Onuetu (10.3 PPG), Biggie Patterson (10.0 PPG), and German Plotnikov (10.0 PPG).
Defensively, Hofstra has shown vulnerability, allowing an average of 64.9 points per game last season. The team also committed 17.6 fouls per game, indicating potential issues with discipline and defensive positioning.
Bucknell Bison
The Bison hold a 2-1 record, with their most recent game being a 73-63 loss to Princeton. Despite the defeat, Bucknell’s defense was commendable, limiting the Tigers to just 12 points in the paint. However, Princeton’s perimeter shooting proved challenging, as the Tigers connected on 10 three-pointers.
Offensively, Bucknell has demonstrated efficiency, shooting 46.6% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc last season. The team is led by head coach John Griffin III, a former standout player for the Bison, who is now in his first season at the helm.
Key Matchup Factors
Head-to-Head History
In their most recent encounter on December 5, 2021, Hofstra defeated Bucknell 88-69. The Pride’s offense was potent, scoring 49 points in the second half to secure the win.
Player Matchups
Cruz Davis’s all-around performance against Molloy highlights his potential to impact the game in multiple facets. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate will be crucial against Bucknell’s defense. For the Bison, the performance of their perimeter defense will be critical, especially in containing Hofstra’s shooters.
Injuries and News
As of now, there are no reported injuries affecting either team for this matchup.
Home/Away Performance Trends
Bucknell has a strong home-court advantage, boasting a 12-4 record at Sojka Pavilion during the 2024-25 season. Conversely, Hofstra struggled on the road last season, finishing with a 5-9 away record.
Betting Analysis
Spread Analysis
The current spread favors Bucknell at +2.5. Given their strong home performance last season and Hofstra’s road struggles, Bucknell appears to have the edge. However, Hofstra’s recent offensive surge, highlighted by Davis’s standout performance, suggests they can keep the game close.
Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The total for this game is set at 139.5 points. Both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently, with Hofstra averaging 95 points in their last game and Bucknell scoring 63 against Princeton. Considering these factors, the over may be a favorable option.
Value Betting Opportunities
Given Bucknell’s home-court advantage and Hofstra’s road challenges, betting on Bucknell to cover the +2.5 spread offers value. Additionally, the over on the total points could be a worthwhile consideration, given both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Prediction
Bucknell’s home-court advantage and Hofstra’s road difficulties suggest a close contest. However, Bucknell’s experience and depth may give them the slight edge in this matchup. A predicted final score of Bucknell 75, Hofstra 71 reflects this outlook.
For those interested in engaging with this matchup without financial risk, Wannamakeabet offers a points-based betting system. Users can make picks and predictions, accumulating points based on accuracy, all without wagering real money. This platform provides an excellent opportunity to test your sports betting acumen in a risk-free environment.