Bucknell vs. St. John’s Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 20

There’s no reason to build suspense for my Bucknell vs. St. John’s prediction. The No. 14 Red Storm (2-1) are a 30.5-point home favorite, and they deserve to be against the Bison (2-3), who have lost three in a row.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET tonight at the Carnesecca Arena in Jamaica, N.Y. (TNT).

✅ Bucknell vs. St. John’s prediction & expert picks

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🏀 Bucknell vs. St. John’s preview & score prediction

Since Rick Pitino took over St. John’s in 2023-24, the Red Storm have had no problem against inferior teams. They went 24-1 against Quadrant 3 and Quadrant 4 teams over the past two seasons. When the Red Storm have the talent advantage, they tend to roll.

Can St. John’s run Bucknell out of the gym?

The answer to this question is obviously yes. The 30.5-point spread tells us that. But in terms of laying the points, I could see being scared off by this number. After all, the walk-ons could easily give up a backdoor cover.

However, I think St. John’s is equipped to pour it on. The Red Storm rank 26th in adjusted offensive efficiency this year and 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Bucknell can’t score (292nd on offense) and won’t get many stops (232nd in defense).

The Bison have only played one team ranked higher than 148th on KenPom. That was their last matchup against No. 74 Pitt, which rolled to a 34-point win on Monday.

If the Panthers can pull away, I believe the Red Storm are capable of doing the same. This line is painted 30.5 across the best sports betting sites, but FanDuel’s -104 price tag offers a slight value to win $9.62 on a $10 bet.

Our Mike Spector offers a play on St. John's forward Bryce Hopkins in his college basketball best bets and player props today.

Score prediction: St. John’s 98, Bucknell 62

🆚 Bucknell vs. St. John’s matchup to watch

St. John's new starting lineup vs. reeling Bucknell

Pitino has used three different starting lineups through three games. He’s trying to figure out a rotation that makes sense, and he might have found something with the combination of Dylan Darling and Oziyah Sellers in the backcourt last time out.

With that duo in the starting lineup, St. John’s scored 39 first-half points in its eventual 93-60 victory over William & Mary. That lineup was even better after the break, scoring 34 points in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

If Pitino sticks with that group, I will bet on their chemistry for a fast start against a Bucknell team that has lost three in a row.

Best prop bet: St. John’s Over 46.5 first-half points (-115 via DraftKings)

📊 Bucknell vs. St. John’s odds

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📺 How to watch Bucknell vs. St. John’s

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
• Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Carnesecca Arena (Jamaica, N.Y.)
• TV: TNT