Men’s Basketball: Terriers Gear Up for a Competitive Matchup vs. Bucknell

Featured image by Spirit Veron

By Avery Kreitler

The Boston University Terriers (9-11, 3-4 PL) will host the Bucknell University Bison (8-12, 4-3 PL) in a highly anticipated matchup this Saturday, Jan. 25, at Case Gym. With both teams coming off competitive schedules, this game presents a crucial opportunity for both sides to gain momentum in the patriot league.

Although Boston University comes into this game with more wins overall, Bucknell University has been doing nearly just as well in the Patriot League. The Terriers are scoring an average of 70.5 points per game, which is heavily aided by their 31.3% average baskets from the three-point range. Defensively, BU allows 72.2 points per game, so they will need to tighten up their defense against Bucknell’s offensive attack.

BU’s Walter Whyte, a 6-foot 6-inch senior forward, is an offensive threat for BU, averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He will be matching up against Bucknell’s top scorer, Noah Williamson, who also leads the team in both points (15.5 PPG) and rebounds (6.9 RPG). The two versatile forwards will be battling in the post on Saturday. 

The Terriers have additional scoring support from sophomore guard Cameron Lott, who is second leading scorer with 11.2 points per game. Bassey Ocampo, a 6-foot 9-inch forward, has also been key for the Terriers, contributing 8.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He will join Whyte in being an important factor in the paint for BU. 

The Bisons enter this game with a solid 4-3 record in the Patriot League. Their recent wins against Holy Cross, Navy, and Colgate have given them momentum as they appraoch this game.

Offensively, Bucknell averages 69.9 points per game with a 42.7% shooting accuracy from the field. Their offense is led by Williamson and Josh Bascoe, a senior guard who is the second-leading scorer with an average of 15.4 points per game and a three-point shooting percentage of 38.3. Despite their scoring abilities, Bucknell has struggled defensively, allowing 74.35 points per game. Like BU, the Bison will need to solidify their defense to seal the win. 

The Boston Terriers’ faceoff against Bucknell University will take place at the Sojka Pavilion and it will be streamed live on ESPN+. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.