The Lehigh Mountain Hawks (12-6, 5-1 Patriot League) will face off against the Bucknell Bison (8-10, 2-4 Patriot League) on Saturday, January 21st at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Mountain Hawks are currently riding a six-game winning streak, while the Bison have dropped two straight.
Preview
The Mountain Hawks are led by senior guard Jordan Cohen, who is averaging 16.3 points per game. Cohen is a three-time All-Patriot League selection and was named the Patriot League Player of the Year last season. Senior forward James Karnik is also a key contributor for Lehigh, averaging 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
The Bison are led by senior guard Andrew Funk, who is averaging 15.6 points per game. Funk is a two-time All-Patriot League selection and was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year in 2020. Senior forward Alex Timmerman is also a key contributor for Bucknell, averaging 12.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
The Mountain Hawks are a slight favorite in this matchup, but the Bison have a chance to pull off the upset if they can limit Cohen and Karnik.
Key Matchups
Jordan Cohen vs. Andrew Funk
Cohen is one of the best guards in the Patriot League, while Funk is one of the best shooters. This matchup will be key in determining the outcome of the game.
James Karnik vs. Alex Timmerman
Karnik is a physical presence inside, while Timmerman is a more versatile player. This matchup will be important in the battle for rebounds and points in the paint.
Prediction
The Mountain Hawks are the more talented team and they are playing at home. They should be able to extend their winning streak to seven games with a win over the Bison.
Lehigh vs. Bucknell Betting Odds
Spread: Lehigh -5.5
Over/Under: 144.5
Moneyline: Lehigh -240, Bucknell +190
Lehigh vs. Bucknell Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased at the Stabler Arena box office or online at Ticketmaster.
Lehigh vs. Bucknell Live Stream
The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Lehigh vs. Bucknell History
The Mountain Hawks and Bison have met 106 times, with Lehigh holding a 59-47 advantage. Lehigh has won the last three meetings, including a 77-63 victory in Bethlehem last season.
Lehigh vs. Bucknell Stats
| Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh | 73.6 | 37.8 | 14.4 | 44.7 | 36.7 | 74.4 |
| Bucknell | 71.2 | 35.0 | 13.6 | 43.9 | 35.4 | 72.2 |
Lehigh vs. Bucknell Head-to-Head Stats
| Season | Date | Location | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | January 21, 2023 | Bethlehem, PA | Lehigh | 77-63 |
| 2021-22 | February 12, 2022 | Lewisburg, PA | Lehigh | 68-66 |
| 2020-21 | January 23, 2021 | Bethlehem, PA | Lehigh | 81-76 |
Conclusion
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks and Bucknell Bison are two of the top teams in the Patriot League. The Mountain Hawks are the favorite in this matchup, but the Bison have a chance to pull off the upset if they can limit Cohen and Karnik.
Additional Information
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
- Head Coach: Brett Reed
- 2022-23 Record: 12-6 (5-1 Patriot League)
- Leading Scorer: Jordan Cohen (16.3 PPG)
- Leading Rebounder: James Karnik (7.2 RPG)
- Leading Assists: Evan Taylor (4.3 APG)
Bucknell Bison
- Head Coach: Nathan Davis
- 2022-23 Record: 8-10 (2-4 Patriot League)
- Leading Scorer: Andrew Funk (15.6 PPG)
- Leading Rebounder: Alex Timmerman (7.1 RPG)
- Leading Assists: Alex Timmerman (3.2 APG)