Bucknell Bison vs Navy Midshipmen Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 5 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/05/2026, 01:25 AM ET

The Bucknell Bison travel to face the Navy Midshipmen in the Patriot League Championship Quarterfinal on Thursday March 5, 2026 at Alumni Hall in Annapolis, Maryland. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. At the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline, total, or spread. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for more daily college basketball betting insights.

Bison Hoping to Carry Momentum into the Quarterfinal

The Bucknell Bison enter this Patriot League quarterfinal with a 10-22 overall record and a 6-12 conference record. Bucknell has had a difficult season but did pick up a recent win over Army 65-55. They also recently lost to Lehigh 89-79, defeated Army 75-73, lost to Holy Cross 72-63, and lost to American University 75-57.

Bucknell averages 67.4 points per game while allowing 76.4 points per contest. The Bison shoot 42% from the field and average 31.2 rebounds per game while distributing 12.8 assists per contest. Defensively they have struggled throughout the season, allowing opponents to score at a relatively high rate.

One area that has kept Bucknell competitive at times is their ability to generate turnovers. The Bison average 7.2 steals per game, which can create transition opportunities and help them produce offense when their half-court scoring stalls.

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Midshipmen Dominating the Patriot League

The Navy Midshipmen come into this matchup with an impressive 25-6 overall record and a dominant 17-1 record in Patriot League play. Navy has been in excellent form recently, winning four of their last five games. They recently defeated Colgate 85-69, Loyola Maryland 78-51, Army 81-63, and Lehigh 72-49, with their only loss in that stretch coming earlier against Omaha.

Navy averages 74.8 points per game while allowing just 63.3 points per contest, one of the strongest defensive marks in the conference. The Midshipmen shoot 48% from the field while also averaging 37.0 rebounds and 16.3 assists per game, showing their ability to move the ball and control the glass.

One of Navy’s biggest strengths is their balanced approach on both ends of the floor. They combine efficient offense with strong defensive pressure, which has helped them control games throughout conference play and dominate the Patriot League standings.

Bucknell Bison vs Navy Midshipmen Pick

Bison vs Midshipmen Pick

Pick: Navy Midshipmen Spread

Navy appears to have a significant advantage in this matchup. The Midshipmen have been the most consistent team in the Patriot League this season and have a strong defensive unit that allows just over 63 points per game. With Bucknell struggling offensively and allowing over 76 points per contest, Navy should be able to control the pace of the game.

Bison vs Midshipmen Total Pick

Pick: Take the Under

I like the under in this matchup because Navy plays excellent defense and tends to dictate the pace of games. Their defensive pressure and ability to control the boards often slow games down and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities. With Bucknell struggling offensively throughout the season, this game could stay on the lower-scoring side.

Final Score Prediction: Navy 74, Bucknell 60

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