- Bucknell enters with 14-5 conference record vs Navy’s 11-8
- Bison average 8.1 three-pointers per game (+0.3 vs Navy’s defense)
- Both teams combined for 15-5 record in last 10 games
The Lewisburg-based Bucknell Bison bring home-court advantage to this critical Patriot League Tournament game, having dominated conference play with a 14-5 record. Their recent 9-1 surge features offensive fireworks – 80.8 points per game at 53.6% shooting efficiency. Noah Williamson’s 65.1% field goal percentage over the last decade of games proves critical against Navy’s perimeter defense.
Navy counters with Austin Benigni’s 18.6 PPG leadership and a defense allowing just 7.8 three-pointers nightly. The Midshipmen’s 42.6% team shooting faces a razor-thin margin against Bucknell’s 43.3% defensive field goal allowance. Recent nail-biters favor Navy, who’ve won 66% of games decided by ≤3 points this season.
Regional Impact: Lewisburg’s 5,800 residents see 22% annual revenue spikes during tournament games. Local hotels report 90% occupancy rates for Patriot League events, per Susquehanna Valley Chamber data.
Strategic Wildcard: Navy’s 8.3 steals per game could disrupt Bucknell’s ball movement. The Bison’s 15.4 assists average suggests they’ll test Navy’s transition defense through quick passes.
Historical Context: Patriot League Tournament winners have received #14-16 seeds in 8 of last 10 NCAA tournaments. This adds urgency for both teams to build March Madness resumes.