Bucknell Bison Defeat Rider Broncs 51-38
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Alumni Gymnasium (Rider)
Bucknell Bison 51, Rider Broncs 38, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bucknell Bison vs Rider Broncs?
Bucknell Bison beat Rider Broncs 51-38 at Alumni Gymnasium (Rider) on December 9, 2025.
Who was favored in Bucknell Bison vs Rider Broncs?
Bucknell Bison were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Bucknell Bison secured a 51-38 victory over the Rider Broncs at Alumni Gymnasium on December 10, 2025. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first meeting between these two teams this season, with Bucknell having previously defeated Rider 57-53 in their last encounter on November 24, 2024. The Bison's win further emphasized their dominance in the series, improving their record against Rider to 2-0.
Both teams entered the game struggling, with Rider holding a home record of 1-8 and Bucknell at 3-9 overall. The Broncs had been on a five-game losing streak, having averaged just 63.3 points per game while allowing 77.4 points in their last ten games. Their recent form included a loss to the Quinnipiac Bobcats, where they fell 58-72, and a narrow defeat to the Merrimack Warriors, losing 66-68. At home, Rider had managed to win only two of their last ten games, with a home record of 2-1 in that span.
Bucknell, on the other hand, was also in poor form, having lost nine consecutive games leading up to this matchup. Their recent performances included a loss to the UMBC Retrievers (66-73) and a heavy defeat against the Akron Zips (77-97). The Bison averaged 66.4 points while allowing 81.4 points per game over their last ten games, demonstrating significant defensive struggles.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, but Bucknell gradually took control. The Bison's defense proved effective, limiting Rider's scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. Bucknell's Ruot Bijiek was instrumental in the second half, contributing crucial points that helped extend their lead. His two-point tip shot and subsequent free throws were pivotal moments that kept Rider at bay.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have faced challenges this season. The absence of key players can often impact performance, particularly for teams already struggling to find consistency.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, favored Bucknell with a spread of -2.5, indicating that they were expected to win by at least three points. The total points for the game was set at 135.5, reflecting a belief that both teams would struggle offensively, which ultimately proved accurate given the final score.
Conditions in Alumni Gymnasium were typical for a winter basketball game, with a standard indoor environment conducive to play. The atmosphere was likely tense, given both teams' recent performances and the stakes of the game.
Viewers should have noted the defensive strategies employed by both teams, particularly Bucknell's ability to limit Rider's scoring opportunities. The Bison's defensive pressure was a key factor in their victory, as they managed to stifle Rider's offensive flow throughout the game. Additionally, the performance of individual players like Ruot Bijiek, who made significant contributions in the second half, was critical to Bucknell's success.
In conclusion, Bucknell's 51-38 win over Rider not only added to their head-to-head record but also provided a much-needed boost for a team looking to turn around a difficult season. The Broncs, meanwhile, will need to reassess their strategy as they continue to seek their first win in several games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUCK -2.5 | 135.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bucknell Bison -155 · Rider Broncs +130 |
Leaders
- PointsAntwan Wilson7Rider Broncs
- AssistsKristupas Kepežinskas1Rider Broncs
- ReboundsCaleb Smith8Rider Broncs
- PointsAchile Spadone14Bucknell Bison
- AssistsAchile Spadone3Bucknell Bison
- ReboundsGrgur Brcic7Bucknell Bison
Recent form
Rider Broncs
Last 10: 2-8Streak L563.3 scored · 77.4 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L58-72at Quinnipiac BobcatsDec 7
- L66-68at Merrimack WarriorsDec 5
- L65-68vs Coppin State EaglesNov 26
- L45-91at Houston CougarsNov 21
- L65-99at Texas LonghornsNov 19
- W86-54vs Eastern EaglesNov 16
- L53-81at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 5
- L53-87at Virginia CavaliersNov 4
- L64-78at Quinnipiac BobcatsMar 12
- W78-76vs Siena SaintsMar 11
Bucknell Bison
Last 10: 1-9Streak L966.4 scored · 81.4 allowed per game1-5 away
- L66-73vs UMBC RetrieversDec 6
- L77-97at Akron ZipsDec 4
- L72-101vs Cornell Big RedNov 30
- L71-73vs Buffalo BullsNov 26
- L66-71at Bowling Green FalconsNov 24
- L49-97at St. John's Red StormNov 21
- L50-84at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 18
- L77-83vs Hofstra PrideNov 15
- L63-73at Princeton TigersNov 12
- W73-62at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | 26-8 | - | 17-1 |
| Colgate | 18-15 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Lehigh | 18-17 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Boston University | 17-17 | 7 | 10-8 |
| American University | 16-16 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Loyola Maryland | 12-20 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Lafayette | 11-21 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Bucknell | 10-23 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Army | 11-21 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Holy Cross | 11-22 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Merrimack | 23-11 | - | 17-3 |
| Saint Peter's | 17-12 | 3 | 14-6 |
| Siena | 23-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Marist | 19-12 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Quinnipiac | 19-13 | 5 | 12-8 |
| Fairfield | 21-13 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 15-17 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Iona | 18-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Sacred Heart | 14-19 | 8 | 9-11 |
| Manhattan | 12-20 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Canisius | 10-21 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Niagara | 8-22 | 12 | 5-15 |
| Rider | 4-25 | 14 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Bucknell Bison | Rider Broncs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-53 | 16-47 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 5-24 | 3-13 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 23 |
| Free throws | 6-8 | 3-9 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 33 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 26 |
| Assists | 10 | 3 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 18 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half9-5Antwan Wilson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by AB Coulibaly.
- 1st Half9-8Antwan Wilson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Flash Burton.
- 1st Half12-8Jayden Williams made Three Point Jumper.
- 1st Half14-8Aleksander Pachucki made Layup. Assisted by Amon Dörries.
- 1st Half16-8Grgur Brcic made Layup.
- 1st Half16-11AB Coulibaly made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kristupas Kepežinskas.
- 1st Half16-13Mohamad Diallo made Jumper.
- 1st Half19-13Aleksander Pachucki made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Achile Spadone.
- 1st Half22-13Ruot Bijiek made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Achile Spadone.
- 1st Half24-13Jayden Williams made Layup.
- 1st Half24-14Flash Burton made Free Throw.
- 1st Half24-16Kristupas Kepežinskas made Layup.
- 1st Half26-16Achile Spadone made Layup.
- 2nd Half27-16Amon Dörries made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half28-16Amon Dörries made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half30-16Achile Spadone made Layup.
- 2nd Half30-18Shemani Fuller made Jumper.
- 2nd Half33-18Aleksander Pachucki made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jacob Meachem.
- 2nd Half33-20Davis Bynum made Jumper.
- 2nd Half33-22Caleb Smith made Layup.
- 2nd Half33-24Jamir McNeil made Jumper.
- 2nd Half33-26Jamir McNeil made Layup.
- 2nd Half33-28Caleb Smith made Jumper.
- 2nd Half34-28Achile Spadone made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half34-30Davis Bynum made Jumper.
- 2nd Half34-32Kristupas Kepežinskas made Layup.
- 2nd Half36-32Amon Dörries made Layup. Assisted by Jacob Meachem.
- 2nd Half38-32Jacob Meachem made Jumper.
- 2nd Half40-32Jayden Williams made Layup.
- 2nd Half42-32Achile Spadone made Layup.
- 2nd Half42-34Caleb Smith made Jumper.
- 2nd Half44-34Amon Dörries made Layup.
- 2nd Half46-34Ruot Bijiek made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half46-36Davis Bynum made Layup.
- 2nd Half48-36Achile Spadone made Layup. Assisted by Ruot Bijiek.
- 2nd Half48-37Antwan Wilson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-37Ruot Bijiek made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-37Jayden Williams made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-37Jayden Williams made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-38Kristupas Kepežinskas made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Rider Broncs, below favours Bucknell Bison.
Venue
- Alumni Gymnasium (Rider)Lawrenceville, NJ
- Attendance1216
- OfficialsLamar Simpson, Bill Covington Jr., John Cahill Jr.
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond