Look, if you’re trying to keep up with the Bucknell University basketball score this season, you've probably realized it's a bit of a rollercoaster. One night they’re locking down a defensive clinic at Sojka Pavilion, and the next, they’re battling through a gritty road game in some loud Patriot League gym. It hasn't been a "perfect" season, but honestly, when is it ever in mid-major basketball?
Right now, the Bison are sitting at 6-12 overall and 3-3 in the conference. That might not look like a world-beater record on paper, but if you actually watch the games, you’ll see a team that is much tougher than their win-loss column suggests. Just this week—on January 14, 2026—they took down Lafayette in a 76-69 thriller. It was one of those games where the energy in Lewisburg was just... different.
What’s Driving the Latest Bucknell University Basketball Score?
It’s all about the youth movement and some seriously gutsy leadership from the veteran guys. John Griffin III, the head coach (and a Bison legend himself from the Class of 2008), has these guys playing a brand of basketball that’s basically "don't ever count us out."
The Key Players Making It Happen
- Amon Dörries: This freshman forward is legit. Coming all the way from Potsdam, Germany, he’s leading the team with about 11.9 points per game. He’s 6'11" but moves like someone much smaller.
- Ruot Bijiek: A senior who provides that steady hand. He’s also averaging around 11.9 points and leads the team in rebounding with over 5 per game.
- Jayden Williams: The sophomore guard from the Bronx. He’s the engine. He's averaging 4 assists a game and basically decides the tempo for the Bison.
When you look at a Bucknell University basketball score, you have to look at the "how." They aren't just chucking up threes; they’re moving the ball. They average about 12 assists a game. They’re unselfish, maybe to a fault sometimes, but it makes them dangerous because you never know who's going to have the hot hand.
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The Patriot League Grind
Life in the Patriot League is kind of a gauntlet. You have teams like Colgate and Navy who are always disciplined, and then you have these historic rivalries where records go out the window.
The Bison actually started the conference season a bit rocky with a loss to Holy Cross (58-65) and a tough one at Navy (55-76). But then something clicked. They beat Lehigh 72-65 and followed it up with a nail-biter 70-67 win over Loyola Maryland on January 10th.
The Lafayette win (76-69) was arguably their most complete game of the year. They shot the ball well and managed to hold off a late Leopard surge. It moved them to .500 in conference play, which is huge when you're looking at seeding for the tournament in March.
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Analyzing the Stats: Beyond the Final Score
A lot of people just check the final Bucknell University basketball score and move on. Don't do that. You’ve gotta see the "hidden" stats to understand where this team is headed.
- Free Throw Shooting: They’re hitting about 74% from the charity stripe. In close Patriot League games, that’s the difference between a W and an L.
- Three-Point Defense: This is the Achilles' heel right now. Opponents are shooting nearly 39% from deep against them. That’s high. If they want to make a deep run, they have to close out on shooters faster.
- Turnover Margin: It’s basically even. They give it away about 14 times a game and take it away 12 times. It's a work in progress.
The Road Ahead: Can They Win the League?
Honestly? It’s a tall order. Colgate is still the "big bad" of the Patriot League, and Navy is playing some inspired basketball. But Bucknell has a history. They have that "Bison Pride" that usually manifests in late February.
They have a huge game coming up against Colgate on the road (January 17). That’s going to be the litmus test. If they can keep that Bucknell University basketball score close or pull off the upset, the rest of the league is going to start sweating.
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Surprising Fact: The 2026 Turnaround
Did you know that just two seasons ago, the Bison were at the bottom of the standings? Griffin has completely revitalized the culture. The fact that they’re even in the mix for a top-four seed right now is a testament to how fast things can change with the right coaching and a couple of key recruits like Dörries.
Actionable Insights for Bison Fans
If you're following the team or betting on the games, here is what you should actually be watching:
- Watch the first 5 minutes of the second half. The Bison have had a habit of starting slow after halftime. If they come out aggressive, they usually win.
- Track Amon Dörries' fouls. Because he’s so active on defense, he gets into foul trouble early. When he’s on the bench, the Bison's interior defense drops significantly.
- Home Court Advantage. Sojka Pavilion is becoming a "tough out" again. Their home record is much better than their road record, so keep that in mind when looking at upcoming matchups.
Basically, the Bucknell University basketball score is trending upward. They are a work in progress, but they're a dangerous work in progress.
Next Steps for Following the Bison:
Check the official Bucknell Athletics site for live stats during the Colgate game this Saturday. If you can’t watch the stream on ESPN+, tune into Eagle 107 (107.3 FM) for the radio call—it's the best way to catch the atmosphere if you aren't in Hamilton or Lewisburg.