The Valparaiso Crusaders (9-6, 0-2 MVC) visit Bradley to take on the Braves (11-4, 1-1 MVC) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 134 points with Bradley set as a 6.5-point favorite.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Bradley Braves Free Prediction
The Crusaders are hoping for a better outcome after their 67-50 loss to the Missouri State Bears in their last contest. Missouri State’s 12.1 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Valparaiso, who had a mark of 22.6. The Bears’ mark was better than their season average of 15.3, while the Crusaders’ was above the 14.1 mark opponents have averaged against Missouri State this season. Max Joseph was Valparaiso’s leading scorer with 13 points on 4-for-7 shooting.
In the Braves’ last matchup, they easily got past the UNI Panthers, 72-53. The Braves knocked down 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 19.4). Darrell Brown was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Bradley currently ranks 18th in defensive efficiency (90.9) and Valparaiso is 46th (93.5). Additionally, the Crusaders rank 333rd in turnover percentage (22.9 percent), while the Braves rank 45th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.6 percent).
Valparaiso holds records of 9-6 straight up (SU) and 6-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Crusaders’ 12 games with betting action, nine have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Bradley owns records of 11-4 SU and 8-4-1 ATS. Games featuring the Braves also have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (84.6 percent).
Brown has averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 assists over the last five games for Bradley.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Bradley Braves Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Bradley ranks seventh in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while Valparaiso ranks 50th (2.8).
The Crusaders average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. The Braves rank 89th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Valparaiso ranks 205th in three pointers attempted per game (19.7) while Bradley ranks 236th (18.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Crusaders have been outscored by an average of 13.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Valparaiso has defeated opponents by an average of 5.9 points.
During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
