It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Illinois State Redbirds (9-9, 3-3 MVC) welcome the Bradley Braves (13-6, 3-3 MVC) to Redbird Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 135.5 points with Illinois State set as a 2-point favorite.
Bradley Braves at Illinois State Redbirds Betting Prediction
The Braves are trying to rebound after their 81-65 loss to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last matchup. Loyola Chicago’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Bradley. The Ramblers had a rate of 0.308 (above their season average of 0.262), while the Braves posted a mark of 0.169 (below their season average of 0.261). Nate Kennell had a good outing for Bradley, contributing 13 points and five assists.
In the Redbirds’ last matchup, they fell to the Southern Illinois Salukis, 74-70. Southern Illinois’ free throw rate was their biggest strength over Illinois State. The Salukis had a rate of 0.347 (above their season average of 0.214), while the Redbirds posted a mark of 0.059 (below their season average of 0.225). Illinois State’s Phil Fayne had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 11-for-12 shooting.
Illinois State might have trouble putting up points as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Bradley currently ranks 30th in defensive efficiency, while the Redbirds rank 252nd in offensive efficiency.
Bradley heads into the contest with records of 13-6 straight up (SU) and 9-6-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Braves’ 17 games with betting action, 13 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Illinois State is 9-9 SU and 7-8 ATS. Unlike Bradley, Redbirds games have a tendency to go over the total (73.3 percent).
Donte Thomas has averaged 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last five games for Bradley.
After the Redbirds won both games against the Braves last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Illinois State won 64-50. The Redbirds made 21 of their 27 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (21.8 vs. 25.6).
Bradley Braves at Illinois State Redbirds Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Bradley is 3-6 ATS on the road with 8 unders and 1 over.
Illinois State is 2-4 ATS at home with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Illinois State ranks 25th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while Bradley ranks 236th (18.2).
The Braves rank 74th in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while the Redbirds rank 259th (39.4).
Bradley ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Illinois State ranks 74th (3.3).
The Braves rank 129th in assists per game (13.9) while the Redbirds rank 185th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Illinois State ranks 66th in steals per game (7.1) while Bradley ranks 108th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Bradley is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Illinois State is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Braves have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Bradley has defeated opponents by an average of 5.2 points.
During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
