Bucknell rallies with hot three-point shooting to beat Lafayette

Bucknell turned a five-point second-half deficit into a seven-point victory at Sojka Pavilion on Jan. 14, overcoming Lafayette 76-69 behind a red-hot perimeter attack and late free-throw composure. The Bison ripped off an 11-0 run that flipped momentum, finished 12 of 22 from three-point range and saw seven different players hit at least one triple.

Senior guard Pat Curtin led Bucknell with 17 points and six rebounds, while Amon Dörries added 15 points as part of the balanced scoring effort. The depth from beyond the arc separated the teams: a 54.5 percent conversion rate on threes (12 of 22) forced Lafayette to extend its defense and opened driving lanes for high-percentage opportunities inside. Bucknell also sank every free throw in the game’s final 76 seconds, making all eight attempts to preserve the lead in the closing stretch.

The comeback and shooting distribution underscored adjustments made after halftime. Coaches and players pointed to tactical changes that tightened Bucknell’s defense and increased ball movement on offense, producing open looks for multiple scorers. The result moved the Bison to 6-12 overall and 3-2 in Patriot League play, while Lafayette dropped to 4-14 and 1-4 in the conference.

For Union County and the Lewisburg fan base, the win offers immediate relief and a blueprint for staying competitive in Patriot League matchups. Home-court success at Sojka Pavilion remains crucial for the Bison’s season trajectory: the team’s ability to convert threes and close games at the free-throw line will shape whether this stretch of conference play becomes a momentum-building run or a brief uplift amid an otherwise challenging season.

Statistically, the game highlighted Bucknell’s offensive versatility. Seven players contributing from deep signals bench depth and effective shot creation, both valuable in a league where guard play and perimeter defense often decide close contests. The disciplined finish at the foul line in the final minute exemplifies late-game execution the team will need more often to climb above .500 overall.

Looking ahead, Bucknell enters the remainder of Patriot League play with a chance to build on the win by sustaining its perimeter efficiency and tightening late-game defense. For local supporters, the performance at Sojka Pavilion provides a reminder that the Bison can string together stretches of high-level play that matter for standings and campus morale.