It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Valparaiso Crusaders (9-6, 2-0 MVC) welcome the Bradley Braves (8-7, 0-2 MVC) to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Bradley Braves at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Prediction
The last time the Braves played, they topped the Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers, 74-58. The Braves had a much better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.074) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.1 vs. 20.6). Elijah Childs fueled Bradley with 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Crusaders dismantled the Concordia University (IL) Cougars in their last game, 121-65. The Crusaders had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.151) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.705 vs. 0.370). Javon Freeman-Liberty was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Crusaders won 77-64. Valparaiso did a great job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (25-28; 89.3 percent). Bradley, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 23.4).
Childs has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Bradley.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Valparaiso currently ranks 256th in possessions per game (68.6) and Bradley is 268th (68.3). Furthermore, the Braves, who rank 46th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), will square off against the Crusaders, who rank 53rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).
Bradley vs. Valparaiso Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Valparaiso ranks 50th in assists per game (15.7) while Bradley ranks 173rd (12.5).
The Crusaders rank 188th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Braves rank 240th (19.2).
Bradley ranks 113th in steals per game (6.5) while Valparaiso ranks 124th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Crusaders rank 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Braves rank 43rd (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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