Don’t expect a high-scoring game when the Bradley Braves (3-17) travel to Wichita State to play the Shockers (13-5). The game gets underway at 3:00 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 23 and will air on ES3.
The Shockers won big over Northern Iowa 74-55 on Wednesday. Ron Baker was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 5-for-9 shooting. The Braves, meanwhile, are coming off a bitter 55-52 loss at the hands of Illinois State on Wednesday. Donte Thomas recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Fred VanVleet has been playing at a high level as of late for the Shockers, averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be at a premium as Wichita State ranks 326th in the nation in possessions per game (65.7 possessions per game), while Bradley is 296th (66.8). Furthermore, the 351st-ranked offense of the Braves (offensive efficiency of 80.1) will face a tough test against the 27th-ranked defense of the Shockers (defensive efficiency of 94.4).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Shockers won the first game 85-58. Markis McDuffie was a top performer in the victory with 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist.
Wichita State is a considerable 29-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 118 points. The Shockers enter the game with records of 13-5 Straight Up (SU) and 9-7 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games, they are 8-2 ATS. The Shockers, sporting the 42nd-best assist-to-turnover ratio in Division I (1.35), have proven themselves to be an extremely efficient offensive team. Turning to the defensive side, the Wichita State defense has been very good, only giving up 62.3 points per game.
Across the court, the Braves head into the game with records of 7-11 ATS and 3-17 SU.
Wichita State won the last meeting this season between these two teams, moving its SU record against Bradley to 10-0 in their most recent head-to-head meetings. The Shockers also hold the advantage ATS with a record of 9-1. Wichita State had the advantage in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last five matchups. Bradley has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wich, ATS Winner – Wich, O/U – Under
Notes
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wichita State’s last 6 games.
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wichita State’s last 6 games at home.
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Bradley.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wichita State’s last 6 games when playing Bradley.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wichita State’s last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley.
Bradley averages 53.5 points per game, placing the team just 351st in the nation. Wichita State ranks 15th in points allowed, giving up 62.3 points per game.
Wichita State won its last game by a 19-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Bradley is 0-10. Wichita State is 8-1 in blowouts this season.
Ranked 65th, the Wichita State Shockers have an offensive rating of 111.8. The Bradley Braves rank 179th with a defensive rating of just 102.5.
The Bradley Braves average 66.8 possessions per game and .801 points per possession. The Wichita State Shockers earn fewer possessions with 65.7, but they score more points with 1.118.
The Bradley Braves average an effective field goal percentage of 40.6% this season. The Wichita State Shockers have a solid 11-5 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 40.6% or greater.
Wichita State ranks 42nd in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Bradley is ranked lower at 350th with an A/TO of .48.
Bradley makes an average of 4.7 steals per game. Wichita State has a winning 9-4 record when it allows at least 4 steals.
