It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Drake Bulldogs (13-5, 2-3 MVC) welcome the Missouri State Bears (8-10, 2-3 MVC) to the Knapp Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
Missouri State Bears vs. Drake Bulldogs ATS Prediction
In the Bears’ last matchup, they were topped by the Evansville Aces, 70-64. Evansville’s 0.400 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Missouri State, who had a mark of 0.175. The Aces’ mark was above their season average of 0.288, while the Bears’ was below their season average of 0.257. Tulio Da Silva led Missouri State in scoring with 14 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Bulldogs defeated the Bradley Braves in their last game, 69-52. Drake’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Bradley. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.554), while the Braves posted a mark of 0.336 (below their season average of 0.486). Nick McGlynn was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field.
After the Bulldogs won both contests against the Bears last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Drake won 67-63. One of Drake’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 9-11 (81.8 percent), while the Bears were just 7-16 (43.8 percent).
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Drake figures to have a substantial edge. The sweet-shooting Bulldogs offense ranks 34th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.557, while the porous Missouri State defense is ranked 317th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.542).
Missouri State Bears vs. Drake Bulldogs Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Drake averages 25.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 47th in the country. Missouri State ranks 215th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
The Bulldogs average 16.9 assists per game, which ranks 18th in the country. The Bears rank 185th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Drake ranks 121st in rebounds per game (36.3) while Missouri State ranks 233rd (33.4).
The Bears rank 57th in steals per game (7.6) while the Bulldogs rank 166th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
Drake averages 3.4 blocks per game, which ranks 97th in the country. Missouri State ranks 102nd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Missouri State has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
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