Bucknell vs Rider Picks & Prediction for Tuesday December 9 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/09/2025, 12:00 AM ET

Bucknell travels to Lawrenceville to take on Rider in a matchup between two struggling programs looking to reverse momentum when they meet Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Both teams enter this contest desperate for stability after dealing with extended losing streaks, making this a critical opportunity for either side to reset their season. For more breakdowns and betting analysis, visit Free College Basketball Picks.

Bucknell Bison Preview

Bucknell enters this game at 2–9 overall and riding a nine-game losing streak, but their recent performances show competitive stretches—just not enough consistency to finish games. The Bison are averaging 67.5 points per game while allowing 80.4, a defensive gap that has plagued them all season. Their shooting percentage (40%) and rebounding production (32.6 per game) continue to limit their offensive efficiency, often forcing them to rely on mid-game shooting streaks to stay competitive.

The bright spot for Bucknell remains A. Dörries, who leads the team with 14.2 points per game on an efficient 50.9% shooting. His ability to score inside and draw fouls gives the Bison a reliable option in half-court sets, but the supporting cast must elevate their output if Bucknell hopes to capitalize on Rider’s defensive flaws. Turnovers and defensive lapses have repeatedly cost them late in games, and unless they show improved discipline, the pattern could repeat.

Rider Broncs Preview

Rider sits at 1–7 overall and 1–1 at home, trending in the wrong direction with five straight losses. Despite the tough record, the Broncs have shown competitiveness in several narrow defeats—including a 68–66 loss to Merrimack and a 68–65 loss to Coppin State—indicating they are closer to breaking through than their record suggests. Still, the offense has been a major issue, averaging only 61.4 points per game while shooting just 37% from the field.

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Z. Cruz leads Rider with 11.1 points per game but has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 34.5%. However, the Broncs received a needed spark from Coulibaly in their most recent outing, posting 20 points and giving Rider a more dynamic interior presence. Rebounding has been Rider’s clearest strength at 39.4 boards per game, and that edge must be emphasized against a Bucknell team that struggles to win second-chance opportunities. Defensively, Rider has moments of toughness but often breaks down in transition and late shot-clock scenarios.

Bucknell vs Rider Prediction

This matchup is one of the more evenly aligned games on Tuesday’s slate, with ESPN’s analytics placing this contest nearly at a 50/50 split. Bucknell has the more polished scoring threat in Dörries, but Rider holds meaningful advantages in rebounding, energy at home, and the ability to disrupt opponents with physical play.

Both teams struggle offensively, suggesting a slower-paced, low-scoring affair. Rider's ability to generate second chances and win the battle in the paint could become the deciding factor, especially with Bucknell allowing over 80 points per game despite facing modest offensive opponents. Bucknell has been close recently, but their inability to close out tight games remains concerning. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Bucknell with the Fliff promo code. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on Rider. Make sure when you place your Rider vs Bucknell bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.

Given the home court edge and rebounding advantage, Rider has the clearer path to grinding out a win.

Prediction: Rider +1.5 Projected Final Score: Rider 68, Bucknell 64

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