It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Drake Bulldogs (6-7) welcome the Bradley Braves (10-3) to Knapp Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, 2017.
Bradley is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 135.5 points.
Bradley Braves at Drake Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Braves’ last contest, they were dismantled by the Ole Miss Rebels, 82-59. Ole Miss’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Bradley. The Rebels had a rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.537), while the Braves posted a mark of 0.387 (below their season average of 0.517). Darrell Brown led Bradley in scoring with 16 points on 7-for-18 shooting.
The Bulldogs easily got past the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks in their last outing, 81-57. The Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.533, had a great mark of 0.588 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 (above their season average of 24.8). Reed Timmer was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
Contrasting styles will be on display in this meeting. Drake has preferred an up-and-down style of play (86th in possessions per game), while Bradley has been more half-court-oriented (301st in possessions per game).
Bradley holds records of 10-3 straight up (SU) and 7-3-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Braves are involved, as 10 of their 11 games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Drake is 6-7 SU and 5-4-1 ATS. Unlike Bradley, games involving the Bulldogs have typically gone over the total (70.0 percent).
After the Braves won all three games against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Bradley won 67-58. The Braves had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.481 vs. 0.362) and had a better turnover percentage (17.2 vs. 19.1).
Bradley Braves vs. Drake Bulldogs Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Bradley is 3-3 ATS on the road with 6 unders and 0 overs.
At home, Drake is 1-0 ATS with 1 over and 0 unders.
Bradley ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Drake ranks 114th (3.8).
The Braves average 38.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 157th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Drake averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. Bradley ranks 155th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
The Braves average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 111th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 189th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
Drake ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Bradley ranks 103rd (6.5).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Bradley is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over.
Drake is 2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
